Optical transmitting apparatus and optical repeating apparatus

ABSTRACT

In an optical amplifying technique using remote pumping, an optical transmitting apparatus and an optical repeating apparatus are provided. An optical repeating apparatus comprises a first optical transmitting unit, a first loopback unit, a second optical transmitting unit, a second loopback unit, and four optical couplers, wherein transmission light and reception light are transmitted through one optical fiber cable, whereby the installation cost and maintenance cost of the optical cable are decreased. Disconnect of the optical cable is detected by a monitoring function using pumping light and residual pumping light, whereby reliability and safety of the system are remarkably improved. Additionally, adjustment of the optical output level of the repeating station can be most suitably set according to an actual transmission distance.

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 10/096,414, filed Mar. 13, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,661,947; which is a continuation under 35 USC 111(a) of International Application PCT/JP99/06056, filed Oct. 29, 1999.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an optically amplified transmission apparatus and a repeater of a remote pumping type in an optical two-way transmission system, for example. Particularly, the present invention relates to an optical transmitting apparatus and an optical repeating apparatus suitable for use in a system which can transmit transmission-reception light and pumping light through optical fiber cables in one system, remotely control the output level of a pumping source, fulfil an optical level controlling function, a disconnect detecting function and an automatic restoring function for an optical cable among the stations.

BACKGROUND ART

Long distant transmission using optical fiber cables (hereinafter referred as optical cables, occasionally) is performed in order to transmit a large volume of data at a high speed, in recent years. In the long distance transmission, a transmission loss generates in an optical cable. For this, the optically amplified transmission system transmits transmission light and reception light thorugh different optical cables in order to compensate it.

The optically amplified transmission system can remotely control an amplification level of an optical amplifier in the optical repeater. When the optical cables are installed undersea, for example, it is possible to remotely adjust the amplification level using an optical cable instead the administrator adjusts the amplification level by hands. Concretely, this adjustment is carried out by inputting pumping light to the optical amplifier, which is called the optical pumping system. In the optical pumping system, the pumping light of a transmission path terminal station is transmitted to an optical repeater, the transmitted pumping light and transmission light are multiplexed in the optical repeater, whereby optical repeating is performed.

In order to perform the optical repeating, a different optical cable from optical cables through which the transmission light and the pumping light are transmitted is installed, and these optical cables are prepared for each repeater to transmit optical signals. These repeaters are connected by the optical cables.

When a fault occurs in the optical cable and the optical cable is cut, it is necessary to specify the cut position and restore it. Detection of cut of an optical cable is called disconnect detection of an optical cable. The disconnect detecting function is dispensable.

FIG. 47 is a diagram showing an example of the optically amplified transmission system using the remote pumping optically amplifying system. An optically amplified transmission system 90 shown in FIG. 47 is described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 9-113941 in which a technique is disclosed, which can further extend a transmission distance of optical signals using an optically amplifying system which can do remote pumping.

The optically amplified transmission system 90 shown in FIG. 47 comprises a transmitting station (transmitting terminal) 90 a, a receiving station (receiving terminal) 90 b, a plurality (three, for example) of repeating stations 90 c, and a plurality (three, for example) of repeating stations 90 d between them. Optical cables in two systems are used for transmission and reception.

The transmitting station 90 a comprises a transmitting unit 91 a and a receiving unit 91 b. The receiving station 90 b comprises a transmitting unit 91 d and a receiving unit 91 c, as well. The transmitting unit 91 a and the receiving unit 91 d comprise a signal light source 92 a and a plurality of pumping sources 92 b. Each of the transmitting station 90 a and the receiving station 90 b prepares the pumping sources 92 b in different systems from that of the signal light source in order to perform remote pumping, whereby pumping light is transmitted from a terminal station to a repeater through an optical cable differing from an optical cable for transmission-reception light between the transmitting station 90 a and the receiving station 90 b.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 9-200144 discloses an optically amplified repeating system which can suppress the output level of a repeater apparatus to realize a long repeater spacing. According to the technique disclosed in this publication, it is possible to extend the repeating distance.

However, the techniques disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 9-113941 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 9-200144 have three types of problems. First, since a plurality of pumping sources are transmitted through optical cables differing from an optical cable through which optical signals are transmitted, the investment cost of the optical cables is high. In concrete, in the optically amplified transmission system 90 shown in FIG. 47, the number of the optical cables required among the optical repeaters is two to three, and the number of optical cables required between the terminal stations is 14 for both transmission and reception. Further, no description of the optical level controlling method is seen therein.

Further, in remote pumping, adjustment of the output level between the optical repeaters sometimes lacks accuracy since the adjustment is carried out on the basis of theoretical optical transmission distance calculation. The second problem is that a precise control is necessary in each terminal station, which requires a labor cost of an administrator who executes the control.

The third problem is that the method for detecting cut of an optical cable is not established.

In the light of the above problems, the first object of the present invention is to enable transmission and reception of transmission light and reception light through one optical fiber cable, thereby decreasing the installation cost and maintenance cost of the optical cables.

The second object of the present invention is to detect cut of the optical cable by a monitoring function using pumping light and residual pumping light, thereby largely improving reliability and safety of the system. The third object of the present invention is to most suitably set optical output level adjustment in the repeating station according to an actual transmitting distance.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

For this, an optical transmitting apparatus of this invention comprises an optical transmitting means for multiplexing and amplifying first transmission light (λ 1L) and first pumping light (λ 2PL) amplifying the first transmission light (λ 1L), and outputting amplified optical signal to an internal optical fiber, a level monitoring means connected to the optical transmitting means for detecting a level of the optical signal outputted from the optical transmitting means, an optical multiplexing means connected to the internal optical fiber for transmitting an optical signal in the internal optical fiber to a first optical fiber connected to an external optical repeating apparatus, and also being operable to receive an optical signal having a predetermined wavelength in transmission light transmitted from the external optical repeating apparatus through the first optical fiber, and split the optical signal into a plurality of directions, and output split optical signal, and a loopback light detecting means connected to the optical multiplexing means for receiving an optical monitoring signal (λ 2PL′) transmitted from the external optical repeating apparatus.

Accordingly, transmission light and reception light can be transmitted through optical fiber cables in one system, so that the installation cost and maintenance cost of an optical cable cost can be decreased. Since cut of the optical cable is performed by a monitoring function using pumping light and residual pumping light in a two-way transmission, reliability and safety of the system can be remarkably improved.

An optical repeating apparatus of this invention comprises a first optical transmitting means for receiving first transmission light (λ 1L) and first pumping light (λ 2PL) transmitted from an optical transmitting apparatus through a first optical fiber, amplifying the first transmission light (λ 1L) and the first pumping light (λ 2PL), and outputting second transmission light (λ 1L′) and second pumping light (λ 2PL′), a first loopback means connected to the first optical transmitting means to extract the second pumping light (λ 2PL′) from the optical signal amplified by the first optical transmitting means, and outputting the second pumping light (λ 2PL′), a second optical transmitting means for receiving third transmission light (λ 1R) and third pumping light (λ 3PR) transmitted from an optical receiving apparatus through the second optical fiber, amplifying the third transmission light (λ 1R) and the third pumping light (λ 3PR), and outputting fourth transmission light (λ 1R′), a second loopback means connected to the second optical transmitting means to extract fourth pumping light (λ 3PR′) from the optical signal amplified by the second optical transmitting means, and outputting the fourth pumping light (λ 3PR′), a first optical coupler disposed on an output's side of the first optical transmitting means to output the second transmission light (λ 1L′) and the second pumping light (λ 2PL′) toward the optical receiving apparatus, while outputting the third transmission light (λ 1R) and the third pumping light (λ 3PR) from the optical receiving apparatus, and a second optical coupler disposed on an output's side of the second optical transmitting means to output the optical signal from the first loopback means and the optical signal from the second optical transmitting means toward a side of the optical transmitting apparatus, while outputting the first transmission light (λ 1L) and the first pumping light (λ 2PL) from a side of the optical transmitting apparatus.

Accordingly, optical output level adjustment in the repeating station is most suitably set according to an actual transmission distance, which allows an efficient system operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a structure of an optical amplification two-way transmission remote pumping system according to a first embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a repeating station according to the first embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a structure of an optical system according to a first modification of the first embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a first repeating station according to the first modification of the first embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a structure of an optical system according to a second modification of the first embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a first repeating station according to the second modification of the first embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a structure of an optical system according to a third modification of the first embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a structure of a first repeating station according to the third modification of the first embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a structure of an optical system according to a fourth modification of the first embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a first repeating station according to the fourth modification of the first embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a second repeating station according to the fourth modification of the first embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a structure of an optical system according to a fifth modification of the first embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 13 is diagram showing a structure of a first repeating station according to the fifth modification of the first embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a second repeating station according to the fifth modification of the first embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a structure of an optical system according to a sixth modification of the first embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a first repeating station according to the sixth modification of the first embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a second repeating station according to the sixth modification of the first embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a first repeating station according to a seventh modification of the first embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a second repeating station according to the seventh modification of the first embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a first repeating station according to an eighth modification of the first embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a structure of an optical system according to a ninth modification of the first embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a first repeating station according to the ninth modification of the first embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a second repeating station according to the ninth modification of the first embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a structure of an optical system according to a tenth modification of the first embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a first repeating station according to the tenth modification of the first embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a second repeating station according to the tenth modification of the first embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a structure of an optical system according to a second embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a first repeating station according to the second embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a second repeating station according to the second embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a structure of an optical system according to a first modification of the second embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a first repeating station according to the first modification of the second embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a second repeating station according to a first modification of the second embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a structure of a first repeating station according to a second modification of the second embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a structure of an optical system according to a third modification of the second embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a first repeating station according to the third modification of the second embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a structure of an optical system according to a third embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a structure of a first repeating station according to the third embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a structure of an optical system according to a first modification of the third embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a first repeating station according to the first modification of the third embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing a structure of an optical system according to a second modification of the third embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a first repeating station according to the second modification of the third embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 42 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a second repeating station according to the second modification of the third embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing a structure of an optical system according to a third modification of the third embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 44 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a first repeating station according to the third modification of the third embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 45 is a diagram showing a structure of an optical system according to a fourth modification of the third embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 46 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a first repeating station according to the fourth modification of the third embodiment of this invention; and

FIG. 47 is a diagram showing an example of optical communication system using a remote pumping light optical amplification system.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(A) Description of First Embodiment of the Invention

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a structure of an optically amplified two-way transmission remote pumping system according to a first embodiment of this invention. An optically amplified two-way transmission remote pumping system 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a system which can transmit/receive transmission light, reception light and pumping light through optical fiber cables of one system.

The optical system 10 shown in FIG. 1 comprises a transmitting station (A station) 20, a repeating station 30, and a receiving station (B station) 40, where the stations are connected by optical cables to be able to transmit optical signals in two ways. In the repeating station 30, the output level of a pumping source thereof is controlled. Between the stations, a control on the optical level and detection of cut of the optical cable are carried out, whereby the system can be automatically restored. In the following descriptions, the optically amplified two-way transmission remote pumping system will be occasionally referred as an optical system.

In FIG. 1, wavelengths of optical signals used among the transmitting station 20, the repeating station 30 and the receiving station 40 are as follows. Wavelength of optical signals (transmission light) sent from the transmitting station 20 to the repeating station 30 is of two types; λ 1L and λ 2PL. Wavelengths of optical signals sent from the repeating station 30 to the transmitting station 20 are of three types; λ 1L′, λ 3PR′ and λ 2PL′.

In the wavelengths of the transmission light from the transmitting station 20 to the repeating station 30, λ 1L is a wavelength component of signal light on which a signal component has been superimposed, and λ 2PL is a wavelength component of a first pumping source (Pump LD or PLD; Pump Laser Diode) 22 d to be described later. On the other hand, in the wavelengths of transmission light from the repeating station 30 to the transmitting station 20, λ 1R′ is a wavelength component of signal light on which a signal component has been superimposed, and λ 3PR′ and λ 2PL′ are wavelength components of two types of pumping sources in the repeating station 30. Optical signals having these wavelength components become monitor light, and are inputted to the transmitting station 20.

Meanwhile, with respect to subscripts of the wavelengths, L represents local, whereas R represents remote. Here, “local” signifies the transmitting station 20 that is a local station, whereas “remote” signifies the receiving station 40 that is a remote station. These subscripts will be used in the same meanings in the following descriptions.

The transmitting station 20 in FIG. 1 is a transmitting terminal station which transmits/receives optical signals. The transmitting station 20 comprises an optical transmitting means 22, a level monitoring means 23, an optical coupler (ODC: Optical Directional Coupler) 51, a loopback light detecting means 24, a controlling means (control unit) 25 and an optical receiving means 21.

The optical transmitting means 22 multiplexes a first transmission light (λ 1L) and first pumping light (λ 2PL) amplifying the first transmission light (λ 1L), amplifies them, and outputs the amplified optical signal to an internal optical fiber. The optical transmitting means 22 comprises a transmitting unit 22 a, a first pumping source (pumping source 1) 22 d, an optical amplifier 22 b, and an isolator 22 c. The internal optical fiber is installed inside the transmitting station 20, which will be sometimes used to differentiate it from an optical cable installed in the transmission section in the following descriptions.

The transmitting unit 22 a electro-optically converts a voice signal or a data signal on the telephone, for example, sent from another network, and outputs it, which is referred as an OS (Optical Sending Unit) In the following descriptions, assuming that a voice signal or the like on the telephone is transmitted and received. The first pumping source 22 d generates first pumping light (λ 2PL). The optical amplifier 22 b amplifies an optical signal, an EDFA (Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifier) being used therefor. The isolator 22 c sends an optical signal inputted from the optical amplifier 22 b to the optical coupler 51, while absorbing power of an optical signal leaking from the optical coupler 51 to prevent the optical signal from flowing into the optical amplifier 22 b.

Whereby, the optical signal outputted from the transmitting unit 22 a and the first pumping light (λ 2PL) from the first pumping source 22 d are optically amplified by the optical amplifier 22 b, and the optically amplified optical signal is sent to the optical coupler 51 through the isolator 22 c.

The level monitoring means 23 is connected to the optical transmitting means 22 to detect a level of the optical signal outputted from the optical transmitting means 22. The level monitoring means 23 comprises a second filter (filter 2) 23 a, and a first optical detector (photodiode 1) 23 b. The second filter 23 a extracts only the λ 2PL component in the optical signal (λ 1L+λ 2PL) outputted from the optical transmitting means 22, and outputs it. This function is realized by, for example, an optical filter. The first optical detector 23 b detects an output from the second filter 23 a, a function of which is realized by, for example, a photodiode. Incidentally, the optical signal (λ 1L+λ 2PL) signifies an optical signal having a wavelength λ 1L and a wavelength λ 2PL. The similar expression will be sometimes used in the following descriptions.

The optical coupler 51 is connected to the internal optical fiber to transmit the optical signal in the internal optical fiber to a first optical fiber connected to the repeating station 30 (external optical repeating apparatus), while being able to receive an optical signal having a predetermined wavelength in an optical signal transmitted from the repeating station 30 through the first optical fiber to branch the optical signal into a plurality of directions and output it. The optical coupler 51 thus multiplexes and demultiplexes the optical signals. In concrete, an optical fiber of a fusion type with 1×3 terminals is used for the optical coupler 51. An optical signal is inputted from one terminal, and outputted as the same optical signal from each of the three terminals. On the other hand, optical signals are inputted from the three terminals, and outputted as the same optical signal from one terminal. The first optical fiber signifies an optical fiber transmitting optical signals sent from the transmitting station's side. Whereby, transmission light and reception light can be transmitted through one optical cable.

The loopback light detecting means 24 is connected to the optical coupler 51 to receive an optical monitoring signal (λ 2PL′) transmitted from the repeating station 30. The loopback light detecting means 24 comprises a fifth filter (filter 5) 24 a and a second optical detector (photodiode 2) 24 b. The optical monitoring signal is an optical signal transmitted from the adjacent repeating station 30, as will be described later, used to monitor a state of transmission in the optical cable. The fifth filter 24 a extracts only the λ 2PL′ component in the optical signal (λ 1R′+λ 3PR′+λ 2PL′) from the repeating station outputted from the optical coupler 51, and outputs it, a function of which is realized by, for example, an optical filter. The second optical detector 24 b detects an output from the fifth filter 24 a, a function of which is realized by, for example, a photodiode.

The controlling means 25 is connected to the optical transmitting means 22, the level monitoring means 23 and the loopback light detecting means 24 to control the output level of the first pumping light (λ 2PL) on the basis of a reception level of the optical monitoring signal (λ 2PL′) from the loopback light detecting means 24.

Only the λ 2PL component is extracted from the optical signal outputted from the optical transmitting means 22 by the second filter 23 a, an output from the second filter 23 a is detected by the first optical detector 23 b, the optical monitoring signal (λ 2PL′) transmitted from the repeating station 30 is received by the loopback light detecting means 24, the λ 2PL component and the λ 2PL′ component are inputted to the controlling means 25, and the output level of the first pumping light (λ 2PL) is controlled by the controlling means 25 on the basis of the reception levels of these components, and adjusted to the optimum output power.

The optical receiving means 21 is connected to the optical coupler 51 to receive an optical signal transmitted from the repeating station 30. The optical receiving means 21 comprises a first filter (filter 1) 21 b and a receiving unit 21 a. The first filter 21 b extracts only a λ 1R′ component in an optical signal from the optical coupler 51. The receiving unit 21 a receives an optical signal having the λ 1R′ component from the first filter 21 b, electro-optically converts the optical signal, and sends, for example, a voice signal or a data signal on the telephone to another network (not shown). The receiving unit is sometimes called an OR (Optical Receiving Unit).

Accordingly, the transmitting station 20 has three kinds of functions; a transmitting function, a receiving function and a monitoring function. An optical signal to be transmitted is outputted to the optical cable, and an optical signal and monitor light send from the repeating station 30 are inputted to the same optical cable. In the transmitting station 20, the administrator sets the pumping level of an optical signal to be sent to an appropriate value to control it, on the basis of the monitor light.

As this, it is possible to transmit/receive through the optical cables in one system, and remotely adjust the output level of the pumping light in the repeating station 30.

The repeating station (repeater) 30 is provided on a transmission path of the optical system 10 to be able to amplify optical signals in two ways, and transmit them. The repeating station 30 also has a function of controlling the optical level, a function of detecting cut of the optical cable, and a function of automatic restoration after the cut is detected, between repeaters and between repeater stations. The repeating station 30 comprises an optical amplifier which can remotely pump, as will be described later.

The receiving station 40 is a transmission terminal station which transmits/receives optical signals. The receiving station 40 comprises an optical transmitting means 42, a level monitoring means 43, an optical coupler 51, a loopback light detecting means 44, a controlling means (control unit) 45 and an optical receiving means 41.

The optical transmitting means 42 multiplexes third reception light (λ 1R) and second pumping light (λ 3PR) amplifying the third reception light (λ 1R) and amplifies them, then outputs the amplified optical signal to an internal optical fiber. The optical transmitting means 42 comprises a transmitting unit 42 a, a second pumping source (pumping source 2) 42 d, an optical amplifier 42 b and an isolator 42 c.

The transmitting unit 42 a is similar to the above transmitting unit 22 a. The second pumping source 42 d generates the second pumping light (λ 3PR) The optical amplifier 42 b amplifies an optical signal, an EDFA being used for it. The isolator 42 c sends an optical signal inputted from the optical amplifier 42 b to the optical coupler 51, and absorbs power of the optical signal leaking from the optical coupler 51.

The optical signal outputted from the transmitting unit 42 a and the second pumping light (λ 3PR) from the second pumping source 42 d are optically amplified by the optical amplifier 42 b, and the optically amplified optical signal is sent to the optical coupler 51 via the isolator 42 c.

The level monitoring means 43 is connected to the optical transmitting means 41 to detect a level of the optical signal outputted from the optical transmitting means 41, which comprises a fourth filter (filter 4) 43 a and a third optical detector (photodiode 3) 43 b. The fourth filter 43 a extracts only a λ 1R component in the optical signal (λ 1R+λ 3PR) outputted from the optical amplifier 42 b and outputs it, an optical filter, for example, being used for it. The third optical detector 43 b detects an output from the fourth filter 43 a, a photodiode, for example, being used for it.

The optical coupler 51 is connected to the internal optical fiber to transmit an optical signal in the internal optical fiber to a second optical fiber connected to the repeating station 30. The optical coupler 51 can also receive an optical signal having a predetermined wavelength in an optical signal transmitted from the repeating station 30 through the second optical fiber, and branch the optical signal in a plurality of directions and output it, an optical fiber of a fusion type with 1×3 terminals (not shown) being used for it. The second optical fiber signifies an optical fiber transmitting optical signals send from the receiving station's side. Hereinafter, the above first optical fiber and this second optical fiber will be used in the similar meanings.

The loopback light detecting means 44 is connected to the optical coupler 51 to receive a optical monitoring signal (λ 3PR′) transmitted from the repeating station 30. The loopback light detecting means 44 comprises a sixth filter (filter 6) 44 a, a fourth optical detector (photodiode 4) 44 b. The sixth filter 44 a extracts only the (λ 3PR′) component in an optical signal (λ 1L′+λ 2PL′+λ 3PR′) from the repeating station 30 outputted from the optical coupler 51 and outputs it, a function of which is realized by, for example, an optical filter. The fourth optical detector 44 b detects an output from the sixth filter 44 a, a function of which is realized by, for example, a photodiode.

The controlling means 45 is connected to the optical receiving means 41, the level monitoring means 43 and the loopback light detecting means 44 to control the output level of second pumping light (λ 3PR) on the basis of a reception level of the optical monitoring signal (λ 3PR′) from the loopback light detecting means 44. Each of the controlling means 45 and the controlling means 25 (in the transmitting station 20) has a disconnect detecting function to be able to detect occurrence of a fault in the second optical fiber. This will be explained in a second modification of the first embodiment to be described later.

Only the λ 3PR component in the optical signal outputted from the optical transmitting means 42 is extracted by the fourth filter 43 a, an output from the fourth filter 43 a is detected by the third optical detector 43 b, the optical monitoring signal (λ 3PR′) transmitted from the repeating station 30 is received by the loopback light detecting means 44, the λ 3PR component and the λ 3PR′ component are inputted to the controlling means 45, and the output level of the second pumping light (λ 3PR) is controlled by the controlling means 45 on the basis of the reception levels of these, and adjusted to the optimum output power.

The optical receiving means 41 is connected to the optical coupler 51 to receive an optical signal from the repeating station 30, which comprises a third filter (filter 3) 41 a and a receiving unit 41 b. The third filter 41 a extracts only a λ 1L′ component in the optical signal inputted from the optical coupler 51. The receiving unit 41 is similar to the above receiving unit 21. The receiving unit 41 receives an optical signal having the λ 1L′ component from the third filter 41 a, electro-optically convert it, and sends a voice signal or a data signal on the telephone to another network (not shown).

In FIG. 1, wavelengths of optical signals used between the receiving station 40 and the repeating station 30 are as follows. Namely, kinds of wavelengths of optical signals sent from the repeating station 30 to the receiving station 40 are three (λ 1L′, λ 2PL′ and λ 3PR′). Kinds of wavelengths of optical signals (transmission light) sent from the receiving station 40 to the repeating station 30 are two (λ 1R and λ 3PR).

In the wavelengths of transmission light from the receiving station 40 to the repeating station 30, λ 1R is a wavelength of an optical signal having a component on which a signal component has been superimposed. λ 3PR is a wavelength of the second pumping source 42 d. In the wavelengths of transmission light from the repeating station 30 to the receiving station 40, λ 1L′ is a wavelength of an optical signal having a component on which a signal component has been superimposed. λ 2PL′ and λ 3PR′ are wavelengths of two kinds of pumping sources in the repeating station 30. Optical signals having these wavelengths become monitor light, and are inputted to the receiving station 40.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an internal structure of the repeating station 30 according to the first embodiment of this invention. On the right side of this drawing is the receiving station 40 (B station). On the left side is the transmitting station 20 (A station). The repeating station 30 shown in FIG. 2 comprises a first optical transmitting means 31, a first loopback means 32, a second optical transmitting means 33, a second loopback means 34, and four optical couplers 50.

The first optical transmitting means 31 receives the first transmission light (λ 1L) and the first pumping light (λ 2PL) transmitted from the transmitting station 20 through the first optical fiber, amplifies the first transmission light (λ 1L) and the first pumping light (λ 2PL), and transmits second transmission light (λ 1L′) and second pumping light (λ 2PL′) to the second optical fiber toward the receiving station 40. The first optical transmitting means 31 comprises a first optical amplifier (optical amplifier 1) 31 a, a third pumping source 31 b, two optical couplers 50 and an isolator 31 c.

The first optical amplifier 31 a receives the first transmission light (λ 1L) and the first pumping light (λ 2PL), amplifies the first transmission light (λ 1L) and the first pumping light (λ 2PL), and outputs them. The third pumping source 31 b generates the pumping light (λ 2PL′).

Each of the two optical couplers 50 multiplexes optical signals in two directions, a function of which is realized by, for example, an optical fiber of a fusion type with 1×2 terminals (not shown). An optical signal is inputted from one terminal, and the optical signal is outputted as the same optical signals from two terminals. On the other hand, optical signals are inputted from the two terminals, and the optical signals are outputted as the same optical signal from the one terminal.

Accordingly, these optical couplers 50 can multiplex and demultiplex optical signals. An optical signal from the transmitting station 20 is fed through the optical couplers 50 in two stages provided on the entrance's side, multiplexed with λ 2PL′ from the third pumping source 31 b by the optical coupler 50 in the third stage at the input of the first optical amplifier 31 a, and inputted to the first optical amplifier 31 a. The optical signal amplified by the first optical amplifier 31 a is demultiplexed into two directions by the optical coupler 50.

The amplified optical signal from the first optical amplifier 31 a is split by the optical coupler 50 connected to the output's side of the first optical amplifier 31 a, an optical signal having a wavelength λ 1L′ is sent toward the output isolator 31 c (toward the receiving station 40), and an optical signal having wavelengths λ 1L′ and λ 2PL′ is sent to the input's side (toward the transmitting station 20). Incidentally, such an optical signal containing two kinds of wavelengths will be occasionally referred as an optical signal of λ 1L′+λ 2PL′ in the following descriptions. Additionally, the wavelength λ 1L′ component will be abbreviated as λ 1L′, occasionally.

The isolator 31 c sends the split optical signal to the optical coupler 50. The isolator 31 c also absorbs power of the optical signal leaking from the optical coupler 50 to prevent the optical signal from flowing into the first optical amplifier 31 a.

On the output's side of the isolator 31 c provided is the optical coupler 50. Namely, the optical coupler 50 is provided on the output's side of the first optical transmitting means 31 to output second transmission light (λ 1L′) and second pumping light (λ 2PL′) to the optical receiving apparatus's side, and outputs the third transmission light (λ 1R) and the third pumping light (λ 3PR) from the optical receiving apparatus's side, which functions as a first optical coupler.

The first loopback means 32 is connected to the first optical transmitting means 31 to extract the second pumping light (λ 2PL′) from the optical signal amplified by the first optical transmitting means 31, and outputs the second pumping light (λ 2PL′), which comprises a first loopback filter (filter 1) 32 b and an isolator 32 a. The first loopback filter 32 b is inputted thereto an optical signal (λ 1L′+λ 2PL′) outputted from the above first optical transmitting means 31, attenuates λ 1L′ in these wavelengths, and outputs the remaining wavelength λ 2PL′. The isolator 32 a has the similar function to the above isolator 31 c. In concrete, the isolator 32 a is provided in order to prevent an optical signal containing an unnecessary component for the first loopback filter 32 b from flowing back.

The second optical transmitting means 33 receives the third transmission light (λ 1R) and the third pumping light (λ 3PR) transmitted from the receiving station 40 through the second optical fiber, amplifies the light, and outputs fourth transmission light (λ 1R′). The second optical transmitting means 33 comprises a second optical amplifier (optical amplifier 2) 33 c, a fourth pumping source 33 b, two optical couplers 50 and an isolator 33 a. The fourth pumping source 33 b generates fourth pumping light (λ 1R′). Incidentally, the second optical amplifier 33 c and the isolator 33 a are similar to the first optical amplifier 31 a and the isolator 31 c mentioned above, and the optical coupler 50 is similar to that mentioned above, duplicated descriptions of which are thus omitted.

On the output's side of the second optical transmitting means 33 (on the output's side of the second optical amplifier 33 c) provided is an optical coupler 50 to output an optical signal from the first loopback means 32 and an optical signal from the second optical transmitting means 33 toward the transmitting station 20 (optical transmitting apparatus), and to output the first transmission light (λ 1L) and the first pumping light (λ 2PL) from the transmitting station 20. The optical coupler 50 functions as a second optical coupler.

The second loopback means 34 is connected to the second optical amplifier 33 c to extract fourth pumping light (λ 3PR′) from the optical signal amplified by the second optical amplifier 33 c, and outputs the fourth pumping light (λ 3PR′). The second loopback means 34 comprises a second loopback filter 34 a (filter 2) and an isolator 34 b. The second loopback filter 34 a is inputted thereto an optical signal having wavelengths (λ 1R′+λ 3PR′) outputted from the second optical transmitting means 33, attenuates the λ 1R′ component in these wavelengths, and outputs the remaining λ 3PR′ component. The isolator 34 b has a function similar to the above isolator 31 c. In concrete, the isolator 34 b is installed in order to prevent an optical signal having an unnecessary component for the second loopback filter 34 a from flowing back.

Each of the transmitting station 20 and the receiving station 40 in FIG. 1 has these optical couplers 50, but denotation of the optical couplers 50 is omitted. Similarly, these optical couplers 50 provided in each of the transmitting station 20, the repeating station 30 and the receiving station 40 are omitted in the drawings in embodiments and modifications to be described later.

In FIG. 2, an optical signal repeating operation of the repeating station 30 is as follows. Namely, transmission light (λ 1L+λ 2PL) from the transmitting station 20 is inputted to the transmitting means 31, multiplexed with λ 2PL′ from the third pumping source 31 b in the first optical transmitting means 31, optically amplified by the first optical amplifier 31 a. After that, the repeater-amplified λ 1L′ component is outputted along with the residual pumping light (λ 2PL′) as amplified signal light (λ 1L′+λ 2PL′) to the remote receiving station 40 via the isolator 31 c.

Transmission light (λ 1R+λ 3PR) from the receiving station 40 is inputted to the second optical transmitting means 33, multiplexed with λ 1R′ from the fourth pumping source 33 b in the second optical transmitting means 33, optically amplified by the second optical amplifier 33 c. The repeater-amplified λ 1R′ is outputted along with the residual pumping light λ 3PR′ as amplified signal light (λ 1R′+λ 3PR′) to the remote transmitting station 20 via the isolator 33 a.

In FIG. 2, an optical signal looping-back operation from the repeating station 30 to the transmitting station 20 is as follows. Namely, an optical signal amplified by the first optical amplifier 31 a is branched toward the first loopback filter 32 b in the first loopback means 32. The λ 1L′ component of the light signal is removed by the first loopback filter 32 b, and the λ 2PL′ component is looped back to the transmitting station 20.

Similarly, an optical signal looping-back operation from the repeating station 30 to the receiving station 40 as follows. Namely, an optical signal amplified by the second optical amplifier 33 c is branched toward the first loopback filter 32 b in the second loopback means 34. The λ 1R′ component of the light signal is removed by the first loopback filter 32 b, and the λ 3PR′ component is looped back to the receiving station 40.

With the above structure, repeating and monitoring of the light signal are performed among the transmitting station 20, the repeating station 30 and the receiving station 40, optical transmission using a remote pumping control is thereby performed.

An electric signal such as a voice signal or the like on the telephone is converted into an optical signal in the transmitting station 20 (refer to FIG. 1), then transmission light (λ 1L+λ 2PL) is transmitted from the transmitting station 20. In the repeating station 30, transmission light (λ 1L′+λ 2PL′) and monitor light λ 3PR′ are transmitted in the above repeating operation to the receiving station 40. In the receiving station 40, signal light λ 1L′ is extracted, converted into an electric signal, returned to a signal for the telephone, and sent to another switching station or the like.

On the other hand, amplified pumping light λ 2PL′ to be sent back from the repeating station 30 to the transmitting station 20 is inputted to the optical coupler 51 in the transmitting station 20, and branched into three directions; toward the receiving unit 21 a, the transmitting unit 22 a and the loopback light detecting means 24. For the receiving unit 21 a and the transmitting unit 22 a among them, λ 2PL′ is a noise component, thus removed by the first filter 21 b and the isolator 22 c. λ 2PL′ is inputted to the second optical detector 24 b in the loopback light detecting means 24. In the control unit 25, an actual transmission loss between the transmitting station 20 and the repeating station 30 is calculated on the basis of a difference between a level of the first optical detector 23 b and a level of the second optical detector 24 b, and an output level of the first pumping source 22 d is so controlled as to yield the optimum amplification factor.

Similarly, an electric signal such as a telephone signal or the like from the receiving station 40 is converted into an optical signal. Transmission light (λ 2R+λ 3PR) is transmitted from the receiving station 40. In the repeating station 30, transmission light (λ 2R′+λ 3PR′) and monitor light λ 2PL′ are transmitted in the above repeating operation to the transmitting station 20. In the transmitting station 20, signal light λ 1R′ is extracted, converted into an electric signal, returned to a signal for the telephone, and sent to another switching station or the like.

On the other hand, amplified pumping light λ 3PR′ to be sent back from the repeating station 30 to the receiving station 40 is inputted to the optical coupler 51 in the receiving station 40, then branched into three directions; toward the receiving unit 41 a, the transmitting unit 42 a and the loopback light detecting means 44. For the receiving unit 41 a and the transmitting unit 42 a among them, λ 3PR′ is a noise component, thus removed by the third filter 41 a and the isolator 42 c. λ 3PR′ is inputted to the fourth optical detector 44 b (photodiode 4) in the loopback light detecting means 44. In the control unit 45, an actual transmission loss between the receiving station 40 and the repeating station 30 is calculated on the basis of a difference between a level of the third optical detector 43 b and a level of the fourth optical detector 44 b, and the output level of the second pumping source 42 d is so controlled as to yield the optimum amplification factor.

As this, communication is performed among the transmitting station 20, the repeating station 30 and the receiving station 40 using only optical cables in one system, and the output level of the pumping source is automatically controlled in each of the transmitting station 20, the repeating station 30 and the receiving station 40, so that the optimum communication becomes possible.

By introducing this optical system 10 as above, the installation cost and maintenance cost of the optical cables are largely decreased, and reliability and safety of this optical system 10 is remarkably improved.

(A1) Description of First Modification of First Embodiment of the Invention

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a structure of an optical system according to a first modification of the first embodiment of this invention. An optical system 10 c shown in FIG. 3 is a system in which transmission light, reception light and pumping light can be transmitted/received through optical cables in one system. The optical system 10 c comprises a transmitting station (A station) 20 c, a first repeating station (repeater 1) 30 c, a second repeating station (repeater 2) 30 c′ and a receiving station (B station) 40 c, where the stations are connected by optical cables, whereby optical signals are transmitted/received in two ways.

In FIG. 3, a wavelength of transmission light of the transmitting station 20 c is λ 1L, and a wavelength of a first pumping source 22 d is λ 2PL. A wavelength of the receiving station 40 c is λ 1R, and a wavelength of a second pumping source 42 d is λ 3PR.

In FIG. 3, parts designated by like reference characters have like or corresponding functions described above, further descriptions of which are thus omit ted. Hereinafter, only parts differing from those in the first embodiment will be described. In other embodiments and modifications, modified modes of the transmitting station 20, the repeating station 30 and the receiving station 40 of the optical system will be described.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a first repeating station according to the first modification of the first embodiment of this invention. The first repeating station 30 c shown in FIG. 4 comprises a first optical transmitting means 62, a second optical transmitting means 63, and two optical couplers 50 (not shown).

The first optical transmitting means 62 receives first transmission light (λ 1L) and first pumping light (λ 2PL) transmitted from a transmitting station 20 c through a first optical fiber, changes either a level of the first transmission light (λ 1L) or a level of the first pumping light (λ 2PL) to a necessary level, amplifies the changed first transmission light (λ 1L) and first pumping light (λ 2PL), and outputs second transmission light (λ 1L′) and second pumping light (λ 2PL′). The first optical transmitting means 62 comprises a first pumping light adjusting means 38, a first optical amplifier 31 a, a pumping source 31 b and an isolator 31 c.

The first pumping light adjusting means 38 splits the first transmission light (λ 1L) and the first pumping light (λ 2PL), attenuates a level of the pumping light (λ 2PL) by a necessary level, and outputs the first transmission light (λ 1L) and the first pumping light (λ 2PL). The first pumping light adjusting means 38 comprises a demultiplexer 38 a, a variable attenuator (attenuator) 38 b and an optical coupler (not shown). The demultiplexer 38 a splits into the first transmission light (λ 1L) and the first pumping light (λ 2PL), and outputs them, a function of which is realized by an optical fiber of a fusion type. The variable attenuator 38 b attenuates an optical signal by a predetermined level, and outputs it.

The second optical transmitting means 63 receives third transmission light (λ 1R) and third pumping light (λ 3PR) transmitted from a receiving station 40 c through a second optical fiber, changes either a level of the third transmission light (λ 1R) or a level of the third pumping light (λ 3PR) to a necessary level, amplifies the changed third transmission light (λ 1R) and third pumping light (λ 3PR), and outputs fourth transmission light (λ 1R′). The second optical transmitting means 63 comprises a second pumping light adjusting means 39, a second optical amplifier 33 c and an isolator 33 a.

The second pumping light adjusting means 39 splits into the third transmission light (λ 1R) and the third pumping light (λ 3PR), attenuates a level of the pumping light (λ 3PR) by a necessary level, and outputs the third transmission light (λ 1R) and the third pumping light (λ 3PR). The second pumping light adjusting means 39 comprises a demultipexer 39 a, a variable attenuator (attenuator) 39 b, and an optical coupler 50 (not shown). The demultiplexer 39 a splits into the third transmission light (λ 1R) and the third pumping light (λ 3PR), and outputs them, a function of which is realized by an optical fiber of a fusion type. The variable attenuator 39 b attentuates an optical signal by a predetermined level, and outputs it.

Further descriptions of parts in FIG. 4 corresponding to those described above are omitted here.

Internal processing in the first repeating station 30 c is as follows. Namely, transmission light (λ 1L+λ 2PL) from the transmitting station 20 c is inputted to the first repeating station 30 c, split into two by the demultiplexer 38 a of the first pumping light adjusting means 38, and demultiplexed into a λ 1L component and a λ 2pl component. The demultiplexed λ 1L is inputted as it is to the first optical amplifier 31 a through the optical coupler 50 (not shown). A level of λ 2PL is adjusted by the variable attenuator 38 b. λ 2PL is then multiplexed with the above λ 1L by the optical coupler 50, inputted to the first optical amplifier 31 a, then optically amplified with residual pumping light λ 2PL, a level of which has been adjusted, from the third pumping source 31 b. The resulting optical signal (λ 1L′+λ 2PL′) is transmitted to the isolator 31 c, and sent to the second repeating station 30 c′.

Inputted light (λ 1R′+λ 3PR′) from the second repeating station 30 c′ is repeater-amplified, and an optical signal (λ 1R″+λ 3PR″) is transmitted to the transmitting station 20 c.

Similarly, internal processing in the second repeating station 30 c′ is as follows. Namely, transmission light (λ 1L′+λ 2PL′) from the first repeating station 30 c is inputted to the second repeating station 30 c′, split into two by the demultiplexer 38 a, and demultiplexed into a λ 1L′ component and a λ 2PL′ component. The demultiplexed λ 1L′ is inputted as it is to the first optical amplifier 31 a through the optical coupler 50. A level of λ 2PL′ is adjusted by the variable attenuator 38 b. λ 2PL′ is multiplexed with λ 1L′ by the optical coupler 50, and inputted to the first optical amplifier 31 a, optically amplified with residual pumping light (λ 2PL′), a level of which has been adjusted, from the third pumping source 31 b by the first optical amplifier 31 a. The resulting optical signal (λ 1L′″+λ 2PL″) is transmitted to the isolator 31 c, and sent to the receiving station 40 c.

Inputted light (λ 1R+λ 3PR) from the receiving station 40 c is processed in the similar manner, and a light signal (λ 1R′+λ 3PR′) is transmitted to the first repeating station 30 c.

With the above structure, repeating and monitoring of the optical signals are performed among the transmitting station 20 c, the first repeating station 30 c, the second repeating station 30 c′ and the receiving station 40 c, optical transmission using a remote pumping control is thereby performed.

In FIG. 3, the transmission light λ 1L from the transmitting station 20 c is multiplexed with the pumping source λ 2PL, optically amplified by the optical amplifier 22 b, then transmitted along with residual pumping light to the first repeating station 30 c via the optical coupler 51. From the first repeating station 30 c, amplified transmission light λ 1L′ and amplified pumping light λ 2PL′ are sent to the second repeating station 30 c′.

In the second repeating station 30 c′, reception light (λ 1L′+λ 2PL′) from the first repeating station 30 c is amplified, and amplified transmission light λ 1L″ and amplified pumping light λ 2PL″ are sent to the receiving station 40 c. A flow of transmission light from the receiving station 40 c to the transmitting station 20 c is similar.

In each of the stations, the administrator, for example, adjusts attenuation quantities of the variable attenuators 38 b and 39 b on the basis of level values of the light, whereby appropriate quantities of light are outputted.

As this, communication is performed among the transmitting station 20 c, the first repeating station 30 c, the second repeating station 30 c′ and the receiving station 40 c using only optical cables in one system, and the output level of the pumping source is automatically adjusted in each of the stations, which allows the optimum communication.

As this, the installation cost and maintenance cost of the optical cables are largely decreased, and the optical cables are monitored with pumping light and residual pumping light, which allows large improvement of reliability and safety of this optical system 10 c.

(A2) Description of Second Modification of First Embodiment of the Invention

Further, it is possible to improve the reliability of the system by detecting disconnection of optical signals in the transmission terminal station.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a structure of an optical system according to a second modification of the first embodiment of this invention. An optical system 10 a shown in FIG. 5 is a system in which transmission light, reception light and pumping light can be transmitted/received through optical fiber cables in one system. The optical system 10 a comprises a transmitting station (A station) 20 a, a repeating station (repeater) 30 a and a receiving station (B station) 40 a, where the stations are connected by optical cables, and optical signals are transmitted/received in two ways.

In FIG. 5, a wavelength of transmission light of the transmitting station 20 a is λ 1L, a wavelength of a first pumping source 22 d is λ 2PL, a wavelength of transmission light of the receiving station 40 a is λ 1R, a wavelength of a second pumping source 42 d is λ 3PR.

The transmitting station 20 a comprises a disconnect detecting means 26 which detects that a fault occurs in the first optical fiber. The disconnect detecting means 26 comprises a first transmitting side filter (filter 7) 26 a, a first transmitting side monitoring means (photodiode 5) 26 b, and a first transmitting side disconnect detection outputting means (disconnect detection) 26 c.

The first transmitting side filter 26 a extracts residual pumping light (λ 3PR′) from a received optical signal, and outputs it, a function of which is realized by an optical filter. The first transmitting side monitoring means 26 b detects the residual pumping light (λ 3PR′) from the first transmitting side filter 26 a, a function of which is realized by a photodiode. The first transmitting side disconnect detection outputting means 26 c monitors the operation of the first transmitting side monitoring means 26 b, and outputs information relating to presence/absence of the residual pumping light (λ 3PR′), a function of which is realized by directly displaying it by instruments or the like.

In the transmitting station 20 a, the first transmitting side filter 26 a extracts the residual pumping light (λ 3PR′) from a received optical signal, the first transmitting side monitoring means 26 b detects the residual pumping light (λ 3PR′) from the first transmitting side filter 26 a, the first transmitting side disconnect detection outputting means 26 c monitors the operation of the first transmitting side monitoring means 26 b and outputs information relating to presence/absence of the residual pumping light (λ 3PR′).

The receiving station 40 a comprises a disconnect detecting means 46 which detects that a fault occurs in the first optical fiber. The disconnect detecting means 46 comprises a first receiving side filter (filter 8) 46 a, a first receiving side monitoring means (photodiode 6) 46 b, and a first receiving side disconnect detection outputting means (disconnect detection) 46 c.

The first receiving side filter 46 a extracts residual pumping light (λ 2PL′) from a received optical signal, and outputs it, a function of which is realized by an optical filter. The first receiving side monitoring means 46 b detects the residual pumping light (λ 2PL′) from the first receiving side filter 46 a, a function of which is realized by a photodiode. The first receiving side disconnect detection outputting means 46 c monitors the operation of the first receiving side monitoring means 46 b, and outputs information relating to presence/absence of the residual pumping light (λ 2PL′), a function of which is realized by directly displaying it by instruments or the like.

In the receiving station 40 a, the first receiving side filter 46 a extracts residual pumping light (λ 2PL′) from a received optical signal, the first receiving side monitoring means 46 b detects the residual pumping light (λ 2PL′) from the first receiving side filter 46 a, and the first receiving side disconnect detection outputting means 46 c monitors the operation of the first receiving side monitoring means 46 b and outputs information relating to presence/absence of the residual pumping light (λ 2PL′).

In FIG. 5, parts designated by like reference characters have like or corresponding functions described above, further descriptions of which are thus omitted. Hereinafter, only parts differing from those in the first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an internal structure of the first repeating station according to the second modification of the first embodiment of this invention. The first repeating station 30 a shown in FIG. 6 comprises a first disconnect detecting means 35 and a second disconnect detecting means 36. The first disconnect detecting means 35 is disposed at the entrance of the first optical fiber to detect cut of the first optical fiber. The first disconnect detecting means 35 comprises a third filter (filter 3) 35 a, a first optical detector (photodiode 1) 35 b and a first disconnect detection outputting means (disconnect detection) 35 c.

The third filter 35 a extracts residual pumping light (λ 3PR′) from a received optical signal, and outputs it. The first optical detector 35 b detects the residual pumping light (λ 3PR′) from the third filter 35 a. The first disconnect detection outputting means 35 c monitors the operation of the first optical detector 35 b, and outputs information relating to presence/absence of the residual pumping light (λ 3PR′).

The second disconnect detecting means 36 is disposed at the entrance of the second optical fiber to detect cut of the second optical fiber. The second disconnect detecting means 36 comprises a fourth filter (filter 4) 36 a, a second optical detector (photodiode 2) 36 b, and a second disconnect detection outputting means (disconnect detection) 36 c.

The fourth filter 36 a extracts residual pumping light (λ 2PL′) from a received optical signal, and outputs it. The second optical detector 36 b detects the residual pumping light (λ 2PL′) from the fourth filter 36 a. The second disconnect detection outputting means 36 c monitors the operation of the second optical detector 36 b, and outputs information relating to presence/absence of the residual pumping light (λ 2PL′).

With the above structure, in the normal state, the first transmitting side disconnect detection outputting means 26 c keep receiving λ 3PR′ so that only λ 3PR′ can pass through the first transmitting side filter 26 a in the transmitting station 20 a (refer to FIG. 5).

When cut of the optical cable occurs, the optical signal is reflected by an end of the optical cable having been cut, and transmits in the opposite direction. When optical power loss (loss) is large at the end of the optical cable having been cut, returned light is not detected. This non-detection is detected by the monitoring function. When the optical power loss is small, transmission light from the transmitting station 20 a is returned to the transmitting station 20 a, the return is not detected, so that no alarm generates. When cut of the optical cable occurs, its input dies out. For this, when cut of the optical cable is detected by the disconnect detection, an alarm generates.

In concrete, when cut of the optical cable occurs between the repeating station 30 a and the transmitting station 20 a, λ 1R′+λ 2PL′+λ 3PR′ components generate in an optical signal inputted from the transmitting station 20 a to the repeating station 30 a. Accordingly, λ 3PR′ that is never inputted from the transmitting station 20 a in the normal state is detected, whereby cut of the optical cable can be detected.

Similarly, in the receiving station 40 a, cable cut is detected by allowing only λ 2PL′ to pass through the first receiving side filter 46 a.

As this, communication is performed among the transmitting station 20 a, the repeating station 30 a and the receiving station 40 a using only the optical cables in one system, and the output level of the pumping source is automatically controlled in each of the stations, which allows the optimum communication.

The installation cost and maintenance cost of the optical cables are largely decreased, and the reliability and safety of this optical system 10 a are remarkably improved since each of the stations can detect cut of the optical cable.

(A3) Description of Third Modification of First Embodiment of the Invention

Disconnect detection in the case where a plurality (not less than three) of repeating stations are connected is performed in the similar manner. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a structure of an optical system according to a third modification of the first embodiment of this invention. An optical system 10 b shown in FIG. 7 is a system in which transmission light, reception light and pumping light can be transmitted/received through optical fibers in one system. The optical system 10 b comprises a transmitting station (A station) 20 b, a first repeating station (repeater 1) 30 b, a second repeating station (repeater 2) 30 b′ and a receiving station (B station) 40 b, where the stations are connected by optical cables to transmit/receive optical signals in two ways.

The transmitting station 20 b is a transmission terminal station transmitting/receiving optical signals, which comprises an optical receiving means 21, an optical transmitting means 22, a disconnect detecting means 26 and an optical coupler 51. The receiving station 40 b is a transmission terminal station transmitting/receiving optical signals, which comprises an optical receiving means 41, an optical transmitting means 42, a disconnect detecting means 46 and an optical coupler 51. These have like or corresponding functions to those described above, further descriptions of which are thus omitted.

In FIG. 7, a wavelength of transmission light of the transmitting station 20 b is λ 1L, a wavelength of a first pumping source 22 d is λ 2PL, a wavelength of transmission light of the receiving station 40 b is λ 1R, and a wavelength of a second pumping source 42 d is λ 3PR. Transmission light λ 1L from the transmitting station 20 is multiplexed with the pumping source λ 2PL by an optical coupler 50, optically amplified by a first optical amplifier 31 a, then transmitted along with residual pumping light to the repeating station 30 via the optical coupler 51.

Transmission of an optical signal from the transmitting station 20 b to the receiving station 40 b is as follows. Namely, transmission light (λ 1L+λ 2PL) from the transmitting station 20 b is inputted to the first repeating station 30 b, and optically amplified in the first repeating station 30 b. An optical signal (λ 1L′+λ 2PL′) is sent to the second repeating station 30 b′, and again optically amplified in the second repeating station 30 b′. An optical signal (λ 1L″+λ 2PL″) is then sent to the receiving station 40 b.

On the other hand, transmission of an optical signal from the receiving station 40 b to the transmitting station 20 b is as follows. Namely, transmission light (λ 1R+λ 3PR) from the receiving station 40 b is inputted to the second repeating station 30 b′, and optically amplified in the second repeating station 30 b′. An optical signal (λ 1R′+λ 3PR′) is then sent to the first repeating station 30 b, and again optically amplified in the first repeating station 30 b. An optical signal (λ 1R″+λ 3PR″) is sent to the transmitting station 20 b.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a structure of the first repeating station 30 b according to the third modification of the first embodiment of this invention. The first repeating station 30 b shown in FIG. 8 comprises a first optical transmitting means 61, a first disconnect detecting means 37, a second optical transmitting means 63 and a second disconnect detecting means 67.

The first optical transmitting means 61 receives the first transmission light (λ 1L) and the first pumping light (λ 2PL) transmitted from the transmitting station 20 b through the first optical fiber, amplifies the first transmission light (λ 1L) and the first pumping light (λ 2PL), and outputs second transmission light (λ 1L′) and second pumping light (λ 2PL′). The first optical transmitting means 61 comprises a first optical amplifier 31 a, a first filter (filter 1) 31 d, and an isolator 31 c. Unlike the above first optical transmitting means 31, the first optical transmitting means 61 has the first filter 31 d at the input of the first optical amplifier 31 a. The first filter 31 d extracts (λ 1L+λ 2PL) components from a received optical signal, and outputs them.

The first disconnect detecting means 37 monitors an output from the first optical amplifier 31 a, and outputs information relating to presence/absence of (λ 1L′+λ 2PL′) components in the transmission light. The first disconnect detecting means 37 comprises a second filter (filter 2) 37 a extracting λ 2PL′, a first optical detector (photodiode 1) 37 b detecting a level of outputted light from the second filter 37 a, and a first disconnect detection outputting means (disconnect detection) 37 c. Unlike the above first disconnect detecting means 35, the first disconnect detecting means 37 is directly connected to the output of the first optical amplifier 31 a.

Similarly, the second optical transmitting means 63 receives third transmission light (λ 1R′) and residual pumping light (λ 3PR′) transmitted from the second repeating station 30 b′, amplifies the third transmission light (λ 1R′) and the residual pumping light (λ 3PR′), and outputs transmission light (λ 1R″+λ 3PR″). The second optical transmitting means 63 comprises a second optical amplifier 33 c, a third filter (filter 3) 33 d, and an isolator 33 a. Unlike the above second optical transmitting means 33, the second optical transmitting means 63 has the third filter 33 d at the input of the second optical amplifier 33 c. The third filter 33 d extracts transmission light components (λ 1R′+λ 3PR′) from a receiving optical signal, and outputs them.

The second disconnect detecting means 67 monitors an output of the second optical amplifier 33 c, and outputs information relating to presence/absence of the transmission light components (λ 1R′+λ 3PR′). The second disconnect detecting means 67 comprises a fourth filter (filter 4) 67 a extracting λ 3PR′, a second optical detector (photodiode 2) 67 b detecting a level of outputted light from the fourth filter 67 a, and a second disconnect detection outputting means (disconnect detection) 67 c. Unlike the above second disconnect detecting means 35, the second disconnect detecting means 67 is directly connected to the output of the second optical amplifier 33 c.

Meanwhile, parts designated by like reference characters have like or corresponding functions described above, further descriptions of which are thus omitted.

With this structure, disconnect detection is performed. In the (λ 1L+λ 2PL) components inputted to the first repeating station 30 b, only (λ 1L+λ 2PL) components are inputted to the first optical amplifier 31 a, and optically amplified. (λ 1L′+λ 2PL′) components optically amplified with residual pumping light (not shown) are transmitted to the second repeating station 30 b′ (refer to FIG. 7) via the isolator 31 c.

Only a λ 2PL′ component in the (λ 1L′+λ 2PL′) components is left by the second filter 37 a, optical detection is performed in the first optical detector 37 b, and the λ 2PL′ component is detected by the first disconnect detecting means 37 c.

Flow of an optical signal from the second repeating station 30 b′ is similar.

When cut of the optical cable occurs between the transmitting station 20 b and the first repeating station 30 b, inputs of λ 2PL′ to the first optical detector 37 b die out, thus an alarm generates. When cut of the optical cable occurs between the first repeating station 30 b and the second repeating station 30 b′, inputs of the λ 3PR′ component to the second optical detector 67 b die out, thus an alarm generates.

The first optical detector 37 b and the second optical detector 67 b keep detecting pumping light of the opposite stations at any time. When any part of the optical cable is cut between the transmitting station 20 b and the receiving station 40 b, pumping light of the opposite station comes not to be received. When the inputs die out, an alarm generates, the cut is thereby detected.

As this, communication is performed among the stations using only the optical cables in one system, and the output level of the pumping source is automatically controlled in each of the stations, which allows the optimum communication.

As this, the installation cost and maintenance cost of the optical cables are largely decreased, and reliability and safety of this optical system 10 b are remarkably improved since each of the stations can detect cut of the optical cable.

(A4) Description of Fourth Modification of First Embodiment of the Invention

A mode of transmission among a plurality of repeating stations is possible in this modification, as well. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a structure of an optical system according to a fourth modification of the first embodiment of this invention. When an optical system 10 d shown in FIG. 9 is compared with the above optical system 10 a shown in FIG. 5, a transmitting station 20 d has neither the level monitoring means 23 nor the disconnect detecting means 26 of the transmitting station 20 a (refer to FIG. 5), but has a displaying unit 53 a. A receiving station 40 d has neither the level monitoring means 43 nor the cut means 46 of the receiving station 40 a (refer to FIG. 5), but has a displaying unit 53 b. These displaying units 53 a and 53 b are connected to controlling means 25 and 45, respectively, to display desired values. A function of each of these displaying unit 53 a and 53 b is realized by a display apparatus, for example. Parts designated by like reference character have like or corresponding functions described above, further descriptions of which are thus omitted.

First, an operation of the controlling means 25 in the transmitting station 20 d is described. The controlling operation is as in (p1) to (p5) below.

(p1) The controlling means 25 calculates a λ 2PL level outputted from the transmitting station 20 d, and stores it.

(p2) A λ 2PL′ level of looped back light from a first repeating station 30 d is monitored by a second optical detector (photodiode 2) 24 b.

(p3) An actual transmission loss between the transmitting station 20 d and the first repeating station 30 d is calculated and stored, and this result is displayed by the displaying unit 53 a.

(p4) An optical output level of λ 2PL′ at the first repeating station 30 d is calculated, and displayed.

(p5) Gain control is performed on a first pumping source 22 d so that the optimum optical level is inputted to the first repeating station 30 d.

A calculating method for this is as follows. Namely, an actual transmission loss (dB) between the transmitting station 20 d and the first repeating station 30 d is determined from the equation (1): L=(O+A−I)/2  (1)

Where, O (ou) is a λ 2PL optical output level (dBm), I (ai) is a monitor light optical level (dBm) at the second optical detector 22 d, AIN is a λ 2PL optical input level (dBm) inputted to a first optical amplifier 31 a (refer to FIG. 10 to be described later) of the first repeating station 30 d, and A is an optical amplification factor (dB) to the optical input level. Here, dBm is a power ratio to one milliwatt.

When a relationship of O−L=AIN is substituted into the equation (1), a relational equation between A and AIN becomes equation (2): O+I=A+2AIN  (2)

A relationship between A and AIN is uniquely determined on the basis of characteristics of the first optical amplifier 31 a. For this, once O and I can be obtained by turning its characteristics into a database and preparing it by the transmitting station 20 d, it is possible to determine values of A and AIN, thus L can be calculated. Incidentally, the relationship between A and AIN is an input-output relationship of the first optical amplifier 31 a, so that the optical amplification factor AIN at that time can be determined once the input level is known. From a result of this calculation, it is possible to calculate an actual transmission loss L (dB), and a λ 2PL′ optical level value=AIN+A (dBm).

Next, an operation of a controlling means 45 in the receiving station 40 d is as in (p6) to (p10) below:

(p6) The controlling means 45 calculates a λ 3PR optical output level outputted from the optical amplifier 42 b, and stores it.

(p7) Returned light λ 3PR′ from the second repeating station 30 d′ is monitored by a fourth optical detector (photodiode 4) 44 b.

(p8) An actual transmission loss between the receiving station 40 d and a second repeating station 30 d′ is calculated and stored, then a result of this is displayed.

(p9) An optical output level of λ 3PR′ at the second repeating station 30 d′ is calculated, and displayed.

(p10) Gain control is performed on a second pumping source 42 d so that the optimum optical level is inputted to the second repeating station 30 d′.

A calculating method for this is similar to that in the description of the controlling means 25 of the transmitting station 20 d. A control in the first repeating station 30 d will be next described with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an internal structure of the first repeating station 30 d according to the fourth modification of the first embodiment of this invention. The first repeating station 30 d shown in FIG. 10 comprises a second disconnect detecting means 64 and attenuation control units 70 a and 70 a′.

The second disconnect detecting means 64 is disposed at an entrance of a second optical fiber in order to detect a level of a transmission optical signal, thereby detecting cut of the second optical fiber. The second disconnect detecting means 64 comprises a sixth filter (filter 6) 64 a, and a second optical detector (photodiode 2) 64 b. Incidentally, the second disconnect detecting means 64 is similar to the second disconnect detecting means 36 (refer to FIG. 6), but does not detect cut.

The sixth filter 64 a is similar to the fourth filter 36 a (refer to FIG. 6), which extracts residual pumping light (λ 2PL″) from a transmission optical signal, and outputs it. The second optical detector 64 b is similar to the second optical detector 36 b (refer to FIG. 6), which detects a level of the residual pumping light (λ 2PL″) outputted from the sixth filter 64 a.

The attenuation control units 70 a and 70 a′ control variable attenators (attenuators) 38 b and 39 b, respectively. The attentuation control unit 70 a controls an attenuation quantity of the first pumping light adjusting means on the basis of a difference between a level detected by the second optical detector 64 b and a level prepared beforehand.

At an entrance of the optical coupler 39 a disposed is a third filter (filter 3) 33 d. The third filter 33 d removes a residual pumping light component (λ 2PL″) from a received optical signal. The others designated by like reference characters have like or corresponding functions described above, further descriptions of which are thus omitted.

In the first repeating station 30 d, a control as follows is performed. When transmission light (λ 1L+λ 2PL) from the transmitting station 20 d is inputted to the first repeating station 30 d, the transmission light is split into λ 1L and λ 2PL by a demultiplexer 38 a. The split λ 1L is outputted as it is. A level of the split λ 2PL is adjusted by the variable attenuator (attenuator) 38 b. The λ 1L and attenuated λ 2PL are multiplexed by an optical coupler 50 (not shown), inputted to the first optical amplifier 31 a, and optically amplified with residual pumping light (not shown) by the first optical amplifier 31 a. The optically amplified optical signal (λ 1L′+λ 2PL′) is branched toward a first loopback filter 32 b and an isolator 31 c.

Light outputted from the isolator 31 c is sent as it is to the second repeating station 30 d′. Only λ 2PL′ of the other light is extracted by the first loopback filter 32 b, and this component is sent back to the transmitting station 20 d.

Inputted light (λ 1R′+λ 3PR′+λ 2PL″) from the second repeating station 30 d′ is inputted to a third filter 33 d and the sixth filter 64 a. After λ 2PL″ component is removed by the third filter 33 d, the inputted light is split into λ 1R′ and λ 3PR′ by a demultiplexer 39 a. The split λ 1R′ is outputted as it is, whereas a level of the split λ 3PR′ is adjusted by the variable attenuator (attenuator) 39 b, then they are multiplexed by an optical coupler 50 (not shown), and inputted to a second optical amplifier 33 c. The light is optically amplified with residual pumping light (not shown) by the second optical amplifier 33 c. The amplified optical signal (λ 1R″+λ 3PR″) is branched toward an isolator 33 a and a second loopback filter 34 a (filter 4).

The light outputted from the isolator 33 a is sent as it is to the transmitting station 20 d. Only a λ 3PR″ component of the other light is extracted by the second loopback filter 34 a, and this component is sent back to the second repeating station 30 d′.

Only the λ 2PL component of the inputted light from the second repeating station 30 d′ is extracted by the sixth filter (filter 6) 64 a, and a reception level of this component is monitored by the second optical detector (photodiode 2) 64 b.

Next, a control in the second repeating station 30 d′ will be described with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an internal structure of the second repeating station 30 d′ according to the fourth modification of the first embodiment of this invention. Like the second disconnect detecting means 64 in the first repeating station 30 d, the second repeating station 30 d′ shown in FIG. 11 comprises a second disconnect detecting means 65, and attenuation control units 70 c and 70 d.

The second disconnect detecting means 65 is disposed at the entrance of the first optical fiber in order to detect a level of a transmitted optical signal, thereby detecting cut of the second optical fiber. The second disconnect detecting means 65 comprises a fifth filter (filter 5) 65 a extracting residual pumping light (λ 3PR″) from a transmitted optical signal and outputting it, and a third optical detector (photodiode 3) 65 a detecting a level of the residual pumping light (λ 3PR″) outputted from the fifth filter 65 a.

The attenuation control units 70 c and 70 d control the variable attenuators (attenuators) 38 b and 39 b, respectively, whereby an attenuation quantity of the second pumping light adjusting means is controlled on the basis of a difference between a level detected by the third optical detector 65 b and a level beforehand prepared.

At an entrance of the demultiplexer 38 a disposed is a first filter (filter 1) 31 d. The first filter 31 d removes a residual pumping light component (λ 3PR″) from the received optical signal.

Accordingly, a first optical transmitting means 31 (refer to FIG. 2) is provided with the first filter 31 d which is disposed at the input's side of the first optical amplifier 31 a to remove the residual pumping light component (λ 3PR″) from a received optical signal. The Others designated by like reference characters have like or corresponding functions described above, further descriptions of which are thus omitted.

In the second repeating station 30 d′, a control as follows is performed. Transmission light (λ 1L′+λ 2PL′+λ 3PL″) from the first repeating station 30 d is inputted to the second repeating station 30 d′, and branched toward the first filter 31 d and the fifth filter 65 a. The λ 1L′ component and the λ 2PL′ component of the inputted light are extracted by the first filter 31 d, and split into λ 1L′ and λ 2PL′ by the demultiplexer 38 a.

The split λ 1L′ is outputted as it is. A level of the other split λ 2PL′ is adjusted by the variable attenuator 38 b, multiplexed by an optical coupler 50 (not shown), inputted to the first optical amplifier 31 a, then optically amplified with residual pumping light (not shown) by the first optical amplifier 31 a. The optically amplified optical signal (λ 2L″+λ 2PL″) is branched toward the isolator 31 c and the first loopback filter 32 b.

The light outputted from the isolator 31 c is sent as it is to the receiving station 40 d. The λ 2PL″ component of the other light is extracted by the first loopback filter 32 b, and this component is send back to the first repeating station 30 d.

Only the λ 3PR″ component of the inputted light is extracted by the fifth filter 65 a, and the reception level is monitored by the third optical detector 65 b.

The opposite direction is similar. Namely, inputted light (λ 1R+λ 3PR) from the receiving station 40 d is split into λ 1R and λ 3PR by the demultiplexer 39 a. The split λ 1R is inputted as it is to the second optical amplifier 33 c. A level of the split λ 3PR is adjusted by the variable attenuator (attenuator) 39 b, multiplexed by an optical coupler 50 (not shown), then inputted to the second optical amplifier 33 c.

λ 3PR is optically amplified with residual pumping light (not shown) by the second optical amplifier 33 c, and the optically amplified optical signal (λ 1R′+λ 3PR′) is branched toward the isolator 33 a and the second loopback filter 34 a. The light outputted from the isolator 33 a is sent as it is to the first repeating station 30 d. Only the λ 3PR′ component of the other light is extracted by the second loopback filter 34 a, and this component is sent back to the receiving station 40 d.

With the above structure, repeater transmission is performed. An operation of the first repeating station 30 d (refer to FIG. 10) is as follows.

First, an actual transmission loss value (value displayed on the display unit 53 a in the transmitting station 20 d) between the transmitting station 20 d and the first repeating station 30 d, and an optical output level value of λ 2PL′ to be sent to the second repeating station 30 d′ are sent to the attenuation control unit (ATT1 control unit) 70 a in the first repeating station 30 d from the transmitting station 20 d. Incidentally, this actual transmission loss value is expressed as photodiode 2 monitor value in FIG. 10.

Next, the attenuation control unit 70 a controls an optical attenuation quantity at the variable attenuator 39 b on the basis of the actual transmission loss value between the transmitting station 20 d and the first repeating station 30 d so that λ 1R″ at the optimum level is inputted to the transmitting station 20 d.

The attenuation control unit 70 a′ calculates an actual transmission loss value between the first repeating station 30 d and the second repeating station 30 d′ on the basis of a difference between an optical output level value of λ 2PL′ to be sent to the second repeating station 30 d′ and returned light λ 2PL″ (monitor value at the second optical detector 64 b) from the second repeating station 30 d′, and controls an optical attenuation quantity at the variable attenuator 38 b so that λ 1PL′ at the optimum level is inputted to the second repeating station 30 d′.

Similarly, an operation of the second repeating station 30 d′ (refer to FIG. 11) is as follows. First, an actual transmission loss value (value displayed on the display unit 53 b in the receiving station 40 d) between the receiving station 40 and the second repeating station 30 d′, and an optical output level value of λ 3PR′ to be sent to the receiving station 40 d are transmitted to the attenuation control unit 70 c.

The attenuation control unit 70 c controls an optical attenuation quantity at the variable attenuator 38 b on the basis of the actual transmission loss value between the receiving station 40 d and the second repeating station 30 d′ so that λ 1L″ at the optimum level is inputted to the receiving station 40 d.

The attenuation control unit 70 d calculates an actual transmission loss value between the second repeating station 30 d′ and the first repeating station 30 d on the basis of returned light λ 3PR″ (monitor value at the fifth filter 65 a) from the first repeating station 30 d and an optical output level value of λ 3PR′, and controls an optical attenuation quantity at the variable attenuator 39 b so that λ 1R′ at the optimum level is inputted to the first repeating station 30 d.

In the transmitting station 20 d shown in FIG. 9, the transmission light λ 1L is multiplexed with λ 2PL from the first pumping source 22 d, optically amplified by the optical amplifier 22 b, then transmitted along with residual pumping light to the first repeating station 30 d via an optical coupler 51.

The first repeating station 30 d sends the amplified transmission light λ 1L′ and the amplified pumping light λ 2PL′ to the second repeating station 30 d′, and sends back the amplified pumping light λ 2PL′ to the transmitting station 20 d.

The second repeating station 30 d′ sends amplified transmission light λ 1L″ and amplified pumping light λ 2PL″ to the receiving station 40 d, and sends back the amplified pumping light λ 2PL″ to the first repeating station 30 d.

The opposite direction is similar. The second repeating station 30 d′ amplifies transmission light (λ 1R+λ 3PR) from the receiving station 40 d, and outputs transmission light (λ 1R′+λ 3PR′) to the first repeating station 30 d. The second repeating station 30 d′ also sends back amplified pumping light λ 3PR′ to the receiving station 40 d.

The first repeating station 30 d amplifies the transmission light (λ 1R′+λ 3PR′), and outputs transmission light (λ 1R″+λ 3PR″) to transmitting station 20 d, and sends back amplified pumping light λ 3PR″ to the second repeating station 30 d′.

A gain controlling method in each of sections denoted by {circumflex over (1)} through {circumflex over (5)} in FIG.9 will be next described. The controls in the sections {circumflex over (1)} through {circumflex over (5)} are as follows:

-   {circumflex over (1)}: Optical output level control between the     transmitting station 20 d and the first repeating station 30 d;     optical output level control between the receiving station 40 and     the second repeating station 30 d′; -   {circumflex over (2)}: Optical output level control between the     first repeating station 30 d and the transmitting station 20 d; -   {circumflex over (3)}: Optical output level control between the     first repeating station 30 d and the second repeating station 30 d′; -   {circumflex over (4)}: Optical output level control between the     second repeating station 30 d′ and the receiving station 40; -   {circumflex over (5)}: Optical output level control between the     second repeating station 30 d′ and the first repeating station 30 d.     (i) With Respect to {circumflex over (1)}

The controlling means 25 in the transmitting station 20 d calculates an optical output level of λ 2PL and stores it, and is inputted thereto a level (value monitored by the second optical detector 24 b) of returned light λ 2PL′ from the first repeating station 30 d. The controlling means 25 calculates an actual transmission loss in {circumflex over (1)} from the above result, and stores it. The displaying unit 53 a displays this result, while calculating an optical output level of λ 2PL′ at the first repeating station 30 d using the relationship between an optical level AIN inputted to the first optical amplifier 31 a and an optical amplification factor A, and displaying it.

The calculation is performed as shown by the above equations (1) and (2). The control unit 25 in the transmitting station 20 d controls on the basis of an actual transmission loss obtained through this calculation so that λ 1L at the optimum level is inputted to the first repeating station 30 d. Incidentally, an operation of the control unit 45 in the receiving station 40 d is similar.

(ii) With Respect to {circumflex over (2)}

The actual transmission loss value between the transmitting station 20 d and the first repeating station 30 d and the optical output level value of λ 2PL′ displayed on the controlling means 25 in the transmitting station 20 d are inputted to both of the attenuation control unit 70 a and the attenuation control unit 70 a′ in the first repeating station 30 d. The attenuation control unit 70 a controls on the basis of the inputted actual transmission loss value between the transmitting station 20 d and the first repeating station 30 d so that λ 1R″ at the optimum level is inputted to the transmitting station 20 d.

(iii) With Respect to {circumflex over (3)}

The attenuation control unit 70 a in the first repeating station 30 d calculates an actual transmission loss value between the first repeating station 30 d and the second repeating station 30 d′ on the basis of the optical output level of the inputted λ 2PL′ and a monitor value at the second optical detector 64 b in the first repeating station 30 d, and controls so that λ 1L′ at the optimum level is inputted to the second repeating station 30 d′.

(iv) With Respect to {circumflex over (4)}

The actual transmission loss value between the receiving station 40 d and the second repeating station 30 d′ and the optical output level value of λ 3PR′ displayed on the controlling means 45 in the receiving station 40 d are inputted to both of the attenuation control unit 70 c and the attenuation control unit 70 d in the second repeating station 30 d′ The attenuation control unit 70 c controls on the basis of the inputted actual transmission value between the receiving station 40 d and the second repeating station 30 d′ so that λ 1L″ at the optimum level is inputted to the receiving station 40 d.

(v) With Respect to {circumflex over (5)}

The attenuation control unit 70 d in the second repeating station 30 d′ calculates an actual transmission loss value between the second repeating station 30 d′ and the first repeating station 30 d on the basis of an optical output level value of the inputted λ 3PR′ and a monitor value at the third optical detector 65 b in the second repeating station 30 d′, and controls so that λ 1R′ at the optimum level is inputted to the first repeating station 30 d.

As this, communication is performed among the stations using only the optical cables in one system, and the output level of the pumping source is automatically controlled in each of the stations, which allows the optimum communication.

As this, the installation cost and maintenance cost of the optical cables are largely decreased, and each of the stations can detect cut of the optical cable, so that reliability and safety of this optical system 10 d are remarkably improved.

(A5) Description of Fifth Modification of First Embodiment of the Invention

In the optical system 10 d according to the fourth modification, an optical output level value after amplified by each optical amplifier (EDFA) is determined on the basis of characteristic data of the EDFA in a theoretical calculation. According to this modification, not in the theoretical calculation but using a monitoring function for outputted light, a more accurate gain control becomes possible. This monitoring function is performed by actual measurement using an optical detector (photodiode).

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a structure of an optical system according to a fifth modification of the first embodiment of this invention. An optical system 10 e shown in FIG. 12 is a system in which transmission light, a reception light and pumping light can be transmitted/received through optical fiber cables in one system. The optical system 10 e comprises a transmitting station (A station) 20 e, a first repeating station (repeater 1) 30 e, a second repeating station (repeater 2) 30 e′ and a receiving station (B station) 40 e, where the stations are connected by optical cables, whereby optical signals are transmitted/received in two ways.

When the optical system 10 e shown in FIG. 12 is compared with the optical system 10 d shown in FIG. 9, the transmitting station 20 e is equivalent to the transmitting station 20 d (refer to FIG. 9) to which a level monitoring means 23 is additionally provided. And, the displaying function is simplified. The receiving station 40 e is equivalent to the receiving station 40 d (refer to FIG. 9) to which a level monitoring means 43 is additionally provided. And, the displaying function is simplified, as well. In FIG. 12, parts designated by like reference characters have like or corresponding functions, further descriptions of which are thus omitted.

In FIG. 12, a wavelength of transmission light of the transmitting station 20 e is λ 1L, a wavelength of a first pumping source 22 d is λ 2PL, a wavelength of transmission light of the receiving station 40 e is λ 1R, and a wavelength of a second pumping source 42 d is λ 3PR.

Transmission light λ 1L from the transmitting station 20 e is multiplexed with a first pumping source 22 d, optically amplified by an optical amplifier 22 b, and transmitted along with residual pumping light to the first repeating station 30 e via an optical coupler 51.

In the first repeating station 30 e, the component of the transmission light λ 1L of the light of the amplified residual pumping light is removed by a first loopback filter 32 b, and an optical level thereof is monitored by a first optical detector (photodiode 1) 32 c, as will be described later.

The amplified transmission light λ 1L′ and the amplified pumping light λ 2PL′ from the first repeating station 30 e are sent to the second repeating station 30 e′, and the amplified pumping light λ 2PL′ is sent back to the transmitting station 20 e. Like the fourth modification, an actual transmission loss between the transmitting station 20 e and the first repeating station 20 e is calculated, and an output level of the pumping source 22 d is controlled so as to yield the optimum amplification factor.

In the second repeating station 30 e′, reception light (λ 1L′+λ 2PL′) from the transmitting station 20 e is amplified, amplified transmission light λ 1L″ and amplified pumping light λ 2PL″ are sent to the receiving station 40 e, and the amplified pumping light λ 2PL″ is sent back to the first repeating station 30 e. An actual transmission loss between the first repeating station 30 e and the second repeating station 30 e′ is calculated, a level of an optical attenuation quantity at the first repeating station 30 e is adjusted so as to yield the optimum amplification factor, and an output level of the pumping source (not shown) is controlled.

Flow of transmission light from the receiving station 40 e is similar.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an internal structure of the first repeating station 30 e according to the fifth modification of the first embodiment of this invention. The first repeating station 30 e shown in FIG. 13 has a similar structure to the first repeating station 30 e (refer to FIG. 10), which comprises a first loopback means 32′ and a second loopback means 34′. The function of a second optical transmitting means in the first repeating station 30 e is realized by a third filter 33 d disposed at an input's side of a second optical amplifier 33 c to remove a residual pumping light component (λ 2PL″) from a received optical signal, a second pumping light adjusting means 39 and a second optical amplifier 33 c in cooperation. The first loopback means 32′ is connected to a first optical amplifier 31 a to extract second pumping light (λ 2PL′) from an optical signal amplified by the first optical amplifier 31 a, outputs second pumping light (λ 2PL′ and monitors a level of the same. The first loopback means 32′ comprises a first loopback filter 32 b, an isolator 32 a, and the first optical detector (photodiode 1) 32 c. The first loopback means 32′ is similar to the above first loopback means 32 (refer to FIG. 2), in which an output from the first loopback filter 32 b is monitored.

The second loopback means 34′ is similar to the above second loopback means 34 (refer to FIG. 2), having a monitoring function. The other parts designated by like reference characters have like or corresponding functions, further descriptions of which are thus omitted.

Accordingly, the first loopback means 32′ has the first optical detector 32 c detecting a level of pumping light (λ 2PL′) outputted from the first optical amplifier 31 a, and controls an attenuation quantity of a first pumping light adjusting means 38 on the basis of a level value detected by the first optical detector 32 c. The second loopback means 34′ has a fourth optical detector 34 c detecting a level of pumping light (λ 3PR″) outputted from the second optical amplifier 33 c to control an attenuation quantity of the second pumping light adjusting means 39 on the basis of a level value detected by the fourth optical detector 34 c.

In the first repeating station 30 e, the following control is performed. When transmission light (λ 1L+λ 2PL) from the transmitting station 20 e is inputted to the first repeating station 30 e, the transmission light is split into λ 1L and λ 2PL by a demultiplexer 38 e. The split λ 1L is outputted as it is. A level of the split λ 2PL is adjusted by a variable attenuator 38 b, outputted, multiplexed with λ 1L by an optical coupler 50 (not shown), and inputted to the first optical amplifier 31 a. The light signal (λ 1L′+λ 2PL″) optically amplified with residual pumping light (not shown) by the first optical amplifier 31 a is branched toward the isolator 31 c and the first loopback filter 32 b. The light toward the isolator 31 c is sent as it is to the second repeating station 30 e′, whereas a λ 2PL′ component of the light toward the first loopback filter 32 b is extracted by the first loopback filter 32 b, and sent back to the transmitting station 20 e. At this time, an optical level of the amplified residual pumping light (λ 2PL′) is monitored by the first optical detector 32 c.

Inputted light (λ 1R′+λ 3PR′+λ 2PL″) from the second repeating station 30 e is inputted to the third filter 33 d and a sixth filter 64 a, and a λ 2PR″ component is removed by the third filter 33 d. The light is then split into λ 1R′ and λ 3PR′ by a demultiplexer 39 a. The split λ 1R′ is outputted as it is, whereas a level of the split λ 3PR′ is adjusted by a variable attenuator 39 b, multiplexed with λ 1R′ by an optical coupler 50 (not shown), then inputted to the second optical amplifier 33 c.

The light is optically amplified with residual pumping light (not shown) by the second optical amplifier 33 c. The optically amplified optical signal (λ 1R″+λ 3PR″) is branched toward the isolator 33 a and a second loopback filter 34 a. The light toward the isolator 33 a is sent as it is to the transmitting station 20 e, whereas only a λ 3PR″ component of the light toward the second loopback filter 34 a is extracted by the second loopback filter 34 a. This component is sent back to the second repeating station 30 e′. At this time, an optical level of the amplified residual pumping light λ 3PR″ is monitored by a fourth optical detector 44 b.

On the other hand, only a λ 2PL component of the inputted light from the second repeating station 30 e′ to be inputted to the sixth filter 64 a is extracted by the sixth filter 64 a. A reception level of this component is monitored by the second optical detector.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an internal structure of the second repeating station 30 e′ according to the fifth modification of the first embodiment of this invention. The second repeating station 30 e′ shown in FIG. 14 has a similar structure to the second repeating station 30 d′ (refer to FIG. 11), which comprises a first loopback means 32′, and the second loopback means 34′, having a monitoring function. In FIG. 14, parts designated by like reference characters have like or corresponding functions described above, further descriptions of which are thus omitted.

In the second repeating station 30 e′, the following control is performed. When transmission light (λ 1L′+λ 2PL′+λ 3PR″) from the first repeating station 30 e is inputted to the second repeating station 30 e′, the transmission light is branched toward a first filter 31 d and a fifth filter 65 a at an entrance leading to the first repeating station 30 e. In the inputted light toward the first filter 31 d, a λ 1L′ component and a λ 2PL′ component are extracted by the first filter 31 d, and split into λ 1L′ and λ 2PL′ by the demultiplexer 38 a. The split λ 1L′ is outputted as it is. A level of the split λ 2PL′ is adjusted by a variable attenuator 38 b. After that, λ 2PL′ is multiplexed with λ 1L′ by an optical coupler 50 (not shown), inputted to a first optical amplifier 31 a, and optically amplified with residual pumping light (not shown) by the first optical amplifier 31 a. The optically amplified optical signal (λ 1L″ +λ 2PL″) is branched toward an isolator 31 c and the first loopback filter 32 b. The light toward the isolator 31 c is sent as it is to the receiving station 40 e. Only a λ 2PL″ component of the other light is extracted by the first loopback filter 32 b. This component is sent back to the first repeating station 30 e. At this time, an optical level of the amplified residual pumping light λ 2PL″ is monitored by the first optical detector 32 c.

Only a λ 3PR component of the other light inputted toward the fifth filter 65 a is extracted by the fifth filter 65 a, and a reception level of the same is monitored by a third optical detector 65 b.

The opposite direction is similar. Namely inputted light (λ 1R+λ 3PR) from the receiving station 40 e is split into λ 1R and λ 3PR by a demultiplexer 39 a. The split λ 1R is outputted as it is. A level of the other split λ 3PR is adjusted by a variable attenuator 39 b, λ 3PR is multiplexed with λ 1R by an optical coupler 50 (not shown), inputted to a second optical amplifier 33 c, optically amplified with residual pumping light (not shown) by the second optical amplifier 33 c. The optically amplified optical signal (λ 1R′+λ 3PR′) is branched toward an isolator 3 and a second loopback filter 34 a. The light toward the isolator 3 is sent as it is to the first repeating station 30 e. Only the λ 3PR′ component of the light toward the second loopback filter 34 a is extracted by the second loopback filter 34 a. This component is sent back to the receiving station 40 e.

With the above structure, repeater transmission is performed. In FIG. 12, an operation of a controlling means 25 in the transmitting station 20 e is as follows. An optical output level of λ 2PL is monitored by a first optical detector 23 b. A level of returned light λ 2PL′ from the first repeating station 30 e is monitored by a second optical detector 24 b. In the method described in the fourth embodiment, an actual transmission loss between the transmitting station 20 e and the first repeating station 30 e is calculated, and displayed on a display unit 53 a. The controlling means 25 performs a gain control on the first pumping source 22 d so that the optimum optical level is inputted to the first repeating station 30 e.

An operation of the controlling means 45 in the receiving station 40 e is as follows. An optical output level of λ 3PR is monitored by a third optical detector (photodiode 3) 43 b. Returned light λ 3PR′ from the second repeating station 30 e′ is monitored by a fourth optical detector (photodiode 4) 44 b. In the method described in the fourth embodiment, an actual transmission loss value between the receiving station 40 e and the second repeating station 30 e′ is calculated, and displayed on a displaying unit 53 b. The controlling means 45 performs a gain control on a second pumping source 42 b so that the optimum optical level is inputted to the second repeating station 30 e′.

Operations of attenuation control units 70 a and 70 a′ in the first repeating station 30 e are as follows. In FIG. 13, an actual transmission loss value (displayed on the controlling means 25 in the transmitting station 20 e) between the transmitting station 20 e and the first repeating station 30 e is inputted to the attenuation control unit 70 a′ which adjusts an output optical level toward the transmitting station 20 e. The attenuation control unit 70 a′ controls an optical attenuation quantity of the variable attenuator 39 b on the basis of the inputted actual transmission loss value between the transmitting station 20 e and the first repeating station 30 e so that λ 1R″ at the optimum level is inputted to the transmitting station 20 e.

The attenuation control unit 70 a (adjusting an output optical level toward the first repeating station 30 e) calculates an actual transmission loss value between the first repeating station 30 e and the second repeating station 30 e′ on the basis of a difference between a monitor value (an optical output level value of λ 2PL′ to the second repeating station 30 e′) of the first optical detector 32 c and a monitor value (returned light λ 2PL″ from the second repeating station 30 e′) of the second optical detector 64 a, and controls an optical attenuation quantity of the variable attenuator 38 b so that λ 1L′ at the optimum level is inputted to the second repeating station 30 e′.

Similarly, operations of attenuation control units 70 c and 70 d in the second repeating station 30 e′ are as follows. In FIG. 14, an actual transmission loss value between the receiving station 40 e and the second repeating station 30 e′ displayed on a controlling means 45 in the receiving station 40 e is inputted to the attenuation control unit 70 d. The attenuation control unit 70 controls an optical attenuation quantity of the variable attenuator 38 b on the basis of the inputted actual transmission loss value between the receiving station 40 e and the second repeating station 30 e′ so that λ 1L″ at the optimum level is inputted to the receiving station 40 e.

The attenuation control unit 70 c (adjusting an output optical level to the first repeating station 30 e) calculates an actual transmission loss value between the second repeating station 30 e′ and the first repeating station 30 e on the basis of a difference between a monitor value (optical output value of λ 3PR′ to the first repeating station 30 e) of the fourth optical detector 44 b and a monitor value of the third optical detector 65 b (returned light λ 3PR″ from the first repeating station 30 e), and controls an attenuation quantity of the variable attenuator 39 b so that λ 1R′ at the optimum level is inputted to the first repeating station 30 e.

Sections denoted by {circumflex over (1)} through {circumflex over (5)} shown in FIG. 12 are defined as follows, and gain controls in the respective sections will be now described.

-   {circumflex over (1)}: Optical output level control between the     transmitting station 20 e and the first repeating station 30 e,     optical level control between the receiving station 40 e and the     second repeating station 30 e′; -   {circumflex over (2)}: Optical output level control between the     first repeating station 30 e and the transmitting station 20 e; -   {circumflex over (3)}: Optical output level control between the     first repeating station 30 e and the second repeating station 30 e′; -   {circumflex over (4)}: Optical output level control between the     second repeating station 30 e′ and the receiving station 40 e; -   {circumflex over (5)}: Optical output level control between the     second repeating station 30 e′ and the first repeating station 30 e.     (i) With Respect to {circumflex over (1)}

The controlling means 25 in the transmitting station 20 e monitors an optical output level of λ 2PL by the first optical detector 23 b and stores it, and monitors a level of returned light λ 2PL′ from the first repeating station 30 e by the second optical detector 24 b. The controlling means 25 calculates an actual transmission loss in {circumflex over (1)} on the basis of the above result and displays it, and controls on the basis of the actual transmission loss value obtained in the above calculation so that λ 1L and λ 2PL at the optimum levels are inputted to the first repeating station 30 e. Incidentally, an operation of a controlling means 45 in the receiving station 40 e is similar.

(ii) With Respect to {circumflex over (2)}

An actual transmission loss value (displayed on the controlling means 25 in the transmitting station 20 e) between the transmitting station 20 e and the first repeating station 30 e is inputted to an attenuation control unit 70 a in the first repeating station 30 e. The attenuation control unit 70 a controls on the basis of the inputted actual transmission loss value between the transmitting station 20 e and the first repeating station 30 e so that λ 1R″ at the optimum level is inputted to the transmitting station 20 e.

(iii) With Respect to {circumflex over (3)}

The variable attenuator 38 b control unit in the first repeating station 30 e calculates an actual transmission loss value between the first repeating station 30 e and the second repeating station 30 e′ on the basis of an optical output level value monitored by the first optical detector in the first repeating station 30 e and a monitor value of the second optical detector in the first repeating station 30 e, and controls so that λ 1L′ at the optimum level is inputted to the second repeating station 30 e′.

(iv) With Respect to {circumflex over (4)}

An actual transmission loss value (displayed on the control unit 45 in the receiving station 40 e) between the receiving station 40 e and the second repeating station 30 e′ is inputted to the attenuation control unit 70 c in the second repeating station 30 e′ The attenuation control unit 70 c controls on the basis of the inputted actual transmission loss value between the receiving station 40 e and the second repeating station 30 e′ so that λ 1L″ at the optimum level is inputted to the receiving station 40 e.

(v) With Respect to {circumflex over (5)}

The attenuation control unit 70 a in the second repeating station 30 e′ calculates an actual transmission loss value between the second repeating station 30 e′ and the first repeating station 30 e on the basis of an output level value monitored by the fourth optical detector 44 b in the second repeating station 30 e′ and a monitor value of the third optical detector 65 b in the second repeating station 30 e′, and controls so that λ 1R′ at the optimum value is inputted to the first repeating station 30 e.

As this, communication is performed among the stations using only optical cables in one system, and the output level of the pumping source is automatically controlled in each of the stations, which allows the optimum communication.

As this, the installation cost and maintenance cost of the optical cables are largely decreased, and each of the stations can detect cut of the optical cable so that reliability and safety of this optical system 10 e is remarkably improved.

(A6) Description of Sixth Modification of First Embodiment of the Invention

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a structure of an optical system according to a sixth modification of the first embodiment of this invention. An optical system 10 f shown in FIG. 15 has different values of wavelengths for use in transmission, as compared with the above optical system 10 d. Namely, different points are that the wavelength λ 2PL′ and the wavelength λ 2PL″ used in the above optical system 10 d are replaced with a wavelength λ 2PL, and the wavelength λ 3PR′ and the wavelength λ 3PR″ are replaced with a wavelength λ 3PR. In FIG. 15, parts designated by like reference characters have like or corresponding functions described above, further descriptions of which are thus omitted.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a first repeating station 30 f according to the sixth modification of the first embodiment of this invention. The first repeating station 30 f shown in FIG. 16 monitors a value of a received optical wavelength in lieu of a variable attenuator, thereby adjusting output optical levels of a first optical amplifier 31 a and a second optical amplifier 33 c.

The first repeating station 30 f is provided with a first pumping light generating means 66 disposed on the input's side of a first optical amplifier 31 a (in an upper part in FIG. 16). The first pumping light generating means 66 comprises a first pumping source (pumping source 1) 66 a and a first pumping light controlling means (control unit) 66 b. The first repeating station 30 f is also provided with a second pumping light generating means 64′ on a input's side of the second optical amplifier 33 c (in a lower part in FIG. 16). The second pumping light generating means 64′ comprises a second pumping soruce (pumping source 2) 64′a, a second pumping light controlling means (control unit) 64′b, and a displaying unit 64′c.

The first pumping light controlling means 66 b controls an output level of the first pumping source 66 a. The second pumping light controlling means 64′b controls an output level of the second pumping source 64′a. The displaying unit 64′c is connected to the second pumping light controlling means 64′b to display an optical output level value of λ 3PR, a display apparatus (not shown), for example, being used therefor.

The first optical amplifier 31 a, an isolator 31 c and the first pumping light generating means 66 function in cooperation as a first optical transmitting means. The second optical amplifier 33 c, an isolator 33 a and the second pumping light generating means 64′ function in cooperation as a second optical transmitting means.

Accordingly, the second optical transmitting means (33 c, 33 a, 64′) is provided with a second displaying means (display unit 64′c) which has control data relating to a second transmission loss value that an optical signal loses on the transmission path, and can output the control data, and a second pumping light controlling means 64′b which controls an output level of the second pumping source 64′a in its station on the basis of the control data of the second displaying means (display unit 64′c). In FIG. 16, parts designated by like reference characters have like or corresponding described above, further descriptions of which are thus omitted.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a second repeating station 30 f′ according to the sixth modification of the first embodiment of this invention. The second repeating station 30 f′ shown in FIG. 17 monitors a value of a received optical wavelength in lieu of a variable attenuator, thereby adjusting output optical levels of the first optical amplifier 31 a and the second optical amplifier 33 c.

In the second repeating station 30 f′, a first pumping light generating means 66′ is disposed on the input's side of a first optical amplifier 31 a (in the upper part in FIG. 17). The first pumping light generating means 66′ comprises a first pumping source (pumping source 1) 66 a, a first pumping light controlling means (control unit) 66 b and a displaying unit (λ 2PL optical output level value display) 66 c. In the second repeating station 30 f′, a second pumping light generating means 64 is disposed on the input's side of a second optical amplifier 33 c (in the lower part in FIG. 17) The second pumping light generating means 64 comprises a second pumping source (pumping source 2) 64 a and a second pumping light controlling means (control unit) 64 b.

The displaying unit 66 c is connected to the first pumping light controlling means 66 b to display an optical output level of λ 2PL, a display apparatus (not shown) being used therefor. The first optical amplifier 31 a, the isolator 31 c and the first pumping light generating means 66′ function in cooperation as a first optical transmitting means. The second optical amplifier 33 c, an isolator 33 a and the second pumping light generating means 64 function in cooperation as a second optical transmitting means. In FIG. 17, parts designated by like reference characters have like or corresponding functions described above, further descriptions of which are thus omitted.

Accordingly, the first optical transmitting means (31 a, 31 c, 66′) is provided with a first displaying means (display unit 66 c) which has control data relating to a first transmission loss value that an optical signal loses on the transmission path, and can output the control data, and the first pumping light controlling means 66 b which controls an output level of the first pumping source 66 a in its own station on the basis of the control data of the first displaying means (display unit 66 c).

In FIG. 16, an optical signal transmitted from the transmitting station 20 f is inputted from the left side in FIG. 16. Only a λ 1L component of this optical signal is extracted by a first filter 31 d, and outputted as it is. A level of a λ 2PL component outputted from the first pumping source 66 a is adjusted by the first pumping light controlling means 66 b, outputted, multiplexed with the above λ 1L by an optical coupler 50 (not shown), and inputted to the first optical amplifier 31 a.

The optical signal (λ 1L′+λ 2PL) optically amplified by the first optical amplifier 31 a is branched toward the isolator 31 c and the first loopback filter 32 b. The light toward the isolator 31 c is sent as it is to the second repeating station 30 f′. Only the λ 2PL component of the light toward the first loopback filter 32 b is extracted by the first loopback filter 32 b, and this component is sent back to the transmitting station 20 f.

Inputted light (λ 1R′+λ 3PR′+λ 2PL″) from the second repeating station 30 f′ is inputted to a third filter 33 d and the sixth filter 64 a. A λ 1R″ component of the inputted light is removed by the third filter 33 d, the inputted light is then outputted as it is. A level of λ 3PR′ is adjusted by the second pumping light controlling means 64′b, multiplexed with the above λ 1R′, and inputted to the second optical amplifier 33 c.

The optical signal (λ 1R″+λ 3PR) optically amplified by the second optical amplifier 33 c is branched toward the isolator 33 a and a second loopback filter 34 a. The light toward the isolator 33 a is sent as it is to the transmitting station 20 f. Only a λ 3PR component of the other light is extracted by the second loopback filter 34 a. This component is sent back to the second repeating station 30 f′.

Only a λ 2PL component of inputted light from the second repeating station 30 f′ to be inputted to the sixth filter 64 a is extracted by the sixth filter 64 a. A reception level of this component is monitored by the second optical detector 64 b.

Similarly, in FIG. 17, transmission light (λ 1L′+λ 2PL+3PR) from the first repeating station 30 f is inputted from the left side in the FIG. 17. When the optical signal is inputted to the second repeating station 30 f′, the optical signal is branched toward a first filter 31 d and a fifth filter 65 a. Only a λ 1L′ component of the light inputted to the first filter 31 d is extracted by the first filter 31 d, and outputted as it is. A level of λ 2PL outputted from a first pumping source 66 a is adjusted by a first pumping light controlling means 66 b, outputted, multiplexed with the above λ 1L′ by an optical coupler 50 (not shown), and inputted to a first optical amplifier 31 a.

The optical signal (λ 1L″+λ 2PL) optically amplified by the first optical amplifier 31 a is branched toward the isolator 31 c and a first loopback filter 32 b. The light toward the isolator 31 c is sent as it is to the receiving station 40 f. Only a λ 2PL component of the light toward the first loopback filter 32 b is extracted by the first loopback filter 32 b, and this component is sent back to the repeating station 30 f.

Only a λ 3PR component of the inputted light toward a fifth filter 65 a is extracted by the fifth filter 65 a, and a reception level thereof is monitored by a third optical detector 65 b.

Only a λ 1R component of inputted light (λ 1R+λ 3PR) from the receiving station 40 f is extracted by a third filter 33 d, and inputted to a second optical amplifier 33 c. A level of λ 3PR is adjusted by a second pumping light controlling means 64 b. λ 3PR is multiplexed with λ 1R by an optical coupler 50 (not shown), and inputted to the second optical amplifier 33 c. The optical signal (λ 1R′+λ 3PR) optically amplified by the second optical amplifier 33 c is branched toward an isolator 33 a and a second loopback filter 34 a. The light toward the isolator 33 a is sent as it is to the first repeating station 30 f. Only a λ 3PR component of the other light is extracted by the second loopback filter 34 a. This component is sent back to the receiving station 40 f.

With the above structure, repeater transmission is performed. In the first repeating station 30 f shown in FIG. 16, a value (actual transmission loss value between the transmitting station 20 f and the first repeating station 30 f) displayed by a controlling means 25 in the transmitting station 20 f is inputted, and this information is transmitted to the second pumping light controlling means 64′b. The second pumping light controlling means 64′b performs a gain control on the second pumping source 64′a on the basis of the inputted actual transmission loss value between the transmitting station 20 f and the first repeating station 30 f so that λ 1R″ at the optimum level is inputted to the transmitting station 20 f.

The first pumping light controlling means 66 b calculates an actual transmission loss value between the first repeating station 30 f and the second repeating station 30 f′ from a monitor value of the second optical detector 64 b and an optical output level value of λ 2PL to be outputted to the second repeating station 30 f′, and performs a gain control on the first pumping source 64′a so that λ 1L′ at the optimum level is inputted to the second repeating station 30 f′.

Similarly, in the second repeating station 30 f′ shown in FIG. 17, a value (actual transmission loss value between the receiving station 40 f and the second repeating station 30 f′) displayed by a controlling means 45 in the receiving station 40 f is inputted, and this information is transmitted to the second pumping light controlling means 64 b. The first pumping light controlling means 64 b performs a gain control on the first pumping source 66 a on the basis of the inputted actual transmission loss value between the receiving station 40 f and the second repeating station 30 f′ so that λ 1L″ at the optimum level is inputted to the receiving station 40 f.

The second pumping light controlling means 64 b calculates an actual transmission loss value between the second repeating station 30 f′ and the first repeating station 30 f on the basis of a monitor value of the second optical detector 65 b and an inputted optical output level value of λ 3PR in the first repeating station 30 f, and performs a gain control on the second pumping source 64 a so that λ 1R′ at the optimum level is inputted to the first repeating station 30 f.

The gain controls in respective sections denoted by {circumflex over (1)} through {circumflex over (5)} in FIG. 15 are as follows.

-   {circumflex over (1)}: Optical output level control between the     transmitting station 20 f and the first repeating station 30,     optical output level control between the receiving station 40 f and     the second repeating station 30 f′; -   {circumflex over (2)}: Optical output level control between the     first repeating station 30 f and the transmitting station 20 f; -   {circumflex over (3)}: Optical output level control between the     first repeating station 30 f and the second repeating station 30 f′; -   {circumflex over (4)}: Optical output level control between the     second repeating station 30 f′ and the receiving station 40 f; -   {circumflex over (5)}: Optical output level control between the     second repeating station 30 f′ and the first repeating station 30 f.     (i) With Respect to {circumflex over (1)}

The controlling means 25 in the transmitting station 20 f calculates an optical output level of λ 2PL, and stores it. The optical output level value of λ 2PL displayed in the first repeating station 30 f is inputted to the controlling means 25 in the transmitting station 20 f, and an actual transmission loss between the transmitting station 20 f and the first repeating station 30 f is calculated on the basis of a difference between the optical output level value of λ 2PL and a monitor value of the second optical detector 24 b in the first repeating station 30 f, and displayed. The controlling means 25 in the transmitting station 20 f controls on the basis of the actual transmission loss value obtained in the above calculation so that λ 1L at the optimum level is inputted to the first repeating station 30 f.

Meanwhile, an operation of the controlling means 45 in the receiving station 40 f is similar.

(ii) With Respect to {circumflex over (2)}

A value (actual transmission loss value between the transmitting station 20 f and the first repeating station 30 f) displayed on the controlling means 25 in the transmitting station 20 f is inputted to the second pumping light controlling means 64′b in the first repeating station 30 f. The second pumping light controlling means 64′b controls on the basis of the inputted actual transmission loss value between the transmitting station 20 f and the first repeating station 30 f so that λ 1R″ at the optimum level is inputted to the transmitting station 20 f.

(iii) With Respect to {circumflex over (3)}

the first pumping light controlling means 66 b in the first repeating station 30 f calculates an actual transmission loss value between the first repeating station 30 f and the second repeating station 30 f′ from an inputted optical output level value of λ 2PL in the second repeating station 30 f′ and a monitor value of the second optical detector 64 b in the first repeating station 30 f, and controls so that λ 1L′ at the optimum level is inputted to the second repeating station 30 f′

(iv) With Respect to {circumflex over (4)}

A value (actual transmission loss value between the receiving station 40 and the second repeating station 30 f′) displayed on the controlling means 45 in the receiving station 40 f is inputted to the first pumping light controlling means 66 b in the second repeating station 30 f′. The first pumping light controlling means 66 b controls on the basis of the inputted actual transmission loss value between the receiving station 40 f and the second repeating station 30 f′ so that λ 1L″ at the optimum level is inputted to the receiving station 40 f.

(v) With Respect to {circumflex over (5)}

The second pumping light controlling means 64′b in the second repeating station 30 f′ calculates an actual transmission loss value between the second repeating station 30 f′ and the first repeating station 30 f from an inputted optical output level value of λ 3PR of the first repeating station 30 f and a monitor value of the third optical detector 65 b in the second repeating station 30 f′, and controls so that λ 1R′ at the optimum level is inputted to the first repeating station 30 f.

As this, communication among the stations is performed using only optical cables in one system, and the output level of the pumping source is automatically controlled in each of the stations, which allows the optimum communication.

As this, the installation cost and maintenance cost of the optical cables are largely decreased, and reliability and safety of this optical system 10 f is remarkably improved since each of the stations can detect cut of the optical cable.

(A7) Description of Seventh Modification of First Embodiment of the Invention

Next, description will be made of another control mode of the above optical system 10 f (refer to FIG. 15).

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a first repeating station 30 g according to a seventh modification of the first embodiment of this invention. A difference between the first repeating station 30 g shown in FIG. 18 and the first repeating station 30 f shown in FIG. 16 is that the first repeating station 30 f computes an optical output level after amplified of the pumping source from the database and displays it, whereas this modification displays a result of measurement monitored by a detector (photodiode) to enable a more accurate gain control.

A first loopback means 32″ is connected to an output's side of a first optical amplifier 31 a (in the upper part in FIG. 18). The first loopback means 32″ is connected to the first optical amplifier 31 a to extract second pumping light (λ 2PL) from an optical signal amplified by the first optical amplifier 31 a, and output second pumping light (λ 2PL). The first loopback means 32″ comprises a first loopback filter 32 b, an isolator 32 a and a first optical detector 32 c, along with a display unit 32 d. The display unit 32 d displays an optical output level value of λ 2PL, a display apparatus, for example, being used therefor.

A first pumping light controlling means 66 b is provided with the first level monitoring means 32 c which detects a level of the second pumping light (λ 2PL) outputted from the second filter 32 b to control an output optical level of the first pumping source 31 a on the basis of a level detected by the first level monitoring means 32 c and a reception light level detected by the first reception light monitoring means. A second pumping light controlling means 64′b is provided with a second level monitoring means 34 c which detects a level of third pumping light (λ 3PR) outputted from a fourth filter 34 a to control an output optical level of a second pumping source 64′a on the basis of a level value detected by the second level monitoring means 34 c and a reception light level detected by the first reception light monitoring means.

In FIG. 18, parts designated by like reference characters have like or corresponding functions described above, further descriptions of which are thus omitted.

When transmission light (λ 1L+λ 2PL) from a transmitting station 20 f is inputted to the first repeating station 30 g, only a λ 1L component thereof is extracted by a first filter 31 d, multiplexed with pumping light (λ 2PL) of the first pumping source 22 d, and inputted to the first optical amplifier 31 a. The optical signal (λ 1L′+λ 2PL) optically amplified by the first optical amplifier 31 a is demultiplexed toward the isolator 31 c and the first loopback filter 32 b. The light toward the isolator 31 c is sent as it is to the second repeating station 30 g′. Only a λ 2PL component of the light toward the first loopback filter 32 b is sent back to the transmitting station 20 f by the first loopback filter 32 b. At this time, an optical level of the amplified pumping light (λ 2PL) is monitored by the first optical detector 32 c and displayed.

Similarly, a second loopback means 34″ is connected to an output's side of the second optical amplifier 33 c (in the lower part in FIG. 18). The second loopback means 34″ is connected to the second optical amplifier 33 c to extract λ 3PR from the optical signal amplified by the second optical amplifier 33 c, and output λ 3PR. The second loopback means 34″ comprises the second loopback filter 34 a, the isolator 32 a and the first optical detector 32 c, along with the display unit 32 d. The display unit 32 d displays an optical output level value of λ 2PL, a display apparatus, for example, being used therefor.

Inputted light (λ 1R′+λ 3PR+λ 2PL) from the second repeating station 30 g′ is inputted to a third filter 33 d and a sixth filter 64 a. Only a λ 1R′ component of this inputted light is extracted by the third filter 33 d, and outputted as it is. A level of λ 3PR is adjusted by the second pumping light controlling means 64′b, and λ 3PR is multiplexed with the above λ 1R′ by an optical coupler 50 (not shown), and inputted to a second optical amplifier 33 c. The optical signal (λ 1R″+λ 3PR) optically amplified by the second optical amplifier 33 c is branched toward the isolator 33 a and the second loopback filter 34 a. The light from the isolator 33 a is sent as it is to the transmitting station 20 f. Only a λ 3PR component of the light from the side of the second loopback filter 34 a is extracted from the second loopback filter 34 a at the second loopback filter 34 a. Only a λ 2PL component of inputted light from the second repeating station 30 g′ to be inputted to the sixth filter 64 a is extracted by the sixth filter 64 a. A reception level of this component is monitored by the second optical detector 64 b.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an internal structure of the second repeating station 30 g′ according to the seventh modification of the first embodiment of this invention. A process inside the second repeating station 30 g′ shown in FIG. 19 is as follows. Namely, transmission light (λ 1L′+λ 2PL+λ 3PR) from the first repeating station 30 g is inputted to the second repeating station 30 g′. Only a λ 1L′ component of this inputted light is extracted by a first filter 31 d, multiplexed with pumping light (λ 2PL) of a first pumping source 22 d via an optical coupler 50, and inputted to a first optical amplifier 31 a. The optical signal (λ 1L″+λ 2PL) optically amplified by the first optical amplifier 31 a is demultiplexed toward an isolator 31 c and an isolator 32 a. The light toward the isolator 31 c is sent as it is to the receiving station 40 f. Only a λ 2PL component of the light toward a first loopback filter 32 b is extracted by the first loopback filter 32 b. This component is sent back to the first repeating station 30 g.

At this time, an optical level of the amplified residual pumping light λ 2PL is monitored by a first optical detector 32 c and displayed. Only a λ 3PR component of the inputted light toward a fifth filter 65 a is extracted by the fifth filter 65 a, and a reception level thereof is monitored by a third optical detector 65 b.

Only a λ 1R component of inputted light from the receiving station 40 f is extracted by a third filter 33 d. This λ 1R component is inputted to a second optical amplifier 33 c. A level of λ 3PR is adjusted by a second pumping light controlling means 64 b, multiplexed with λ 1R by an optical coupler 50 (not shown), then inputted to a second optical amplifier 33 c. The optical signal (λ 1R′+λ 3PR) optically amplified by the second optical amplifier 33 c is branched toward the isolator 33 a and a second loopback filter 34 a. The light from the isolator 33 a is sent as it is to the first repeating station 30 g. Only a λ 3PR component of the light toward the second loopback filter 34 a is extracted by the second loopback filter 34 a, and this component is sent back to the receiving station 40.

In FIG. 19, parts designated by like reference characters have like or corresponding functions described above, further descriptions of which are thus omitted.

With the above structure, a value (actual transmission loss value between the transmitting station 20 f and the first repeating station 30 g) displayed on the display unit 53 a in the transmitting station 20 f is inputted to the first repeating station 30 g (refer to FIG. 18), and this information is transmitted to the second pumping light controlling means 64′b. The second pumping light controlling means 64′b performs a gain control on the second pumping source 64′a on the basis of the inputted actual transmission loss value between the transmitting station 20 f and the first repeating station 30 g so that λ 1R″ at the optimum level is inputted to the transmitting station 20 f.

The first pumping light controlling means 66 b calculates an actual transmission loss value between the first repeating station 30 g and the second repeating station 30 g′ on the basis of a monitor value of the second optical detector 64′b and the inputted optical output level value of λ 2PL in the second repeating station 30 g′, and performs a gain control on the first pumping source 22 d so that λ 1L′ at the optimum level is inputted to the second repeating station 30 g′.

A value (actual transmission loss value between the receiving station 40 f and the second repeating station 30 g′) displayed on the controlling means 45 in the receiving station 40 f is inputted to the second repeating station 30 g′ shown in FIG. 19, and this information is transmitted to a first pumping light controlling means 66 b. The first pumping light controlling means 66 b controls an optical attenuation quantity of the first pumping source 66 a on the basis of the inputted actual transmission loss value between the receiving station 40 f and the second repeating station 30 g′ so that λ 1L″ at the optimum level is inputted to the receiving station 40 f.

The second pumping light controlling means 64′b calculates an actual transmission loss value between the second repeating station 30 g′ and the first repeating station 30 g from a monitor value of the third optical detector 65 b and an inputted optical output level value of returned light λ 3PR from the first repeating station 30 g, and performs a gain control on the second pumping source 64 a so that λ 1R′ at the optimum level is inputted to the first repeating station 30 g. A gain controlling method in each of the sections is similar to that described in the sixth modification of the first embodiment, further description of which is thus omitted.

Accordingly, the output level of the pumping source in each of the stations is controlled using only the optical cables in one system, and each of the stations can detect cut of the optical cable, which allows a large decrease in the installation cost and maintenance cost of the optical cables.

(A8) Description of Eighth Modification of First Embodiment of the Invention

It is possible to decrease the number of the used wavelengths by providing a repeating station according to this modification in the optical system 10 c described in the first modification of the first embodiment described above. In concrete, the wavelength λ 2PL′ and the wavelength λ 2PL″ are changed to a wavelength λ 2PL, and the wavelength λ 3PR′ and the wavelength λ 3PR″ are changed to a wavelength λ 3PR. Operations of a transmitting station 20 and a receiving station 40 are similar to the operations of the transmitting station 20 and the receiving station 40 in the optical system 10 c described in the first modification of the first embodiment, descriptions of which are thus omitted. Only the inside of the repeating station will be described.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a first repeating station according to an eighth modification of the first embodiment of this invention. A first repeating station 30 h shown in FIG. 20 comprises a first optical transmitting means and a second optical transmitting means.

The first repeating station 30 h comprises a first filter 31 d, a first pumping source 66 a, a first optical amplifier 31 a and an isolator 31 c. They function in cooperation as a first optical transmitting means. The first optical transmitting means receives first transmission light (λ 1L) transmitted from a transmitting station 20 c (refer to FIG. 3) through the first optical fiber and first pumping light (λ 2PL) and changes either a level of the first transmission light (λ 1L) or a level of the first pumping light (λ 2PL) to a necessary level, amplifies the changed first transmission light (λ 1L) and first pumping light (λ 2PL), and outputs second transmission light (λ 1L′) and second pumping light (λ 2PL′). The first filter 31 d is disposed on the input's side of the first optical amplifier 31 a to extract transmission light (λ 1L, λ 1R) from a received optical signal, and inputs the transmission light (λ 1L, λ 1R) to the first optical amplifier 31 a.

The first repeating station 30 h comprises a second filter 33 d, a second pumping source 64 a, a second optical amplifier 33 c and an isolator 33 a. They function in cooperation as a second optical transmitting means. The second optical transmitting means receives third transmission light (λ 1R) and third pumping light (λ 3PR) transmitted from a receiving station 40 c (refer to FIG. 3) through the second optical fiber, changes either a level of the third transmission light (λ 1R) or a level of the third pumping light (λ 3PR) to a necessary level, amplifies the changed third transmission light (λ 1R) and third pumping light (λ 3PR), and outputs fourth transmission light (λ 1R′). The second filter 33 d is disposed on an input's side of the second optical amplifier 33 c to extract transmission light (λ 1L, λ 1R) from a received optical signal, and inputs the transmission light (λ 1L, λ 1R) to the second optical amplifier 33 c.

In FIG. 20, parts designated by like reference characters have like or corresponding functions described above, further descriptions of which are thus omitted. A second repeating station 30 h′ has a similar structure to that of the first repeating station 30 h.

With this, transmission light (λ 1L+λ 2PL) from the transmitting station 20 c is inputted to the first repeating station 30 h. Only a λ 1L component of this inputted light is extracted by the first filter 31 d. This λ 1L component is outputted as it is, multiplexed with λ 2PL from the first pumping source 66 a, and inputted to a first optical amplifier 31 a. The optical signal (λ 1L′+λ 2PL) optically amplified by the first optical amplifier 31 a is transmitted to the isolator 31 c, and sent as it is to the second repeating station 30 h′.

With regard to inputted light (λ 1R′+λ 3PR) from the second repeating station 30 h′, transmission light (λ 1R″+λ 3PR) is transmitted to the transmitting station 20 c.

The second repeating station 30 h′ (identical to the first repeating station 30 h) shown in FIG. 20 is similar. Namely, transmission light (λ 1L′+λ 2PL) from the first repeating station 30 h (on the left side in FIG. 20) is inputted to the second repeating station 30 h′. Only a λ 1L′ component of this inputted light is extracted by a first filter 31 d, and outputted as it is. This component is multiplexed with λ 2PL from a first pumping source 66 a, and inputted to a first optical amplifier 31 a. The optical signal (λ 1L″+λ 2PL) optically amplified by the first optical amplifier 31 a is transmitted to an isolator 31 c, and sent as it is to the receiving station 31 c.

Inputted light (λ 1R+λ 3PR) from the receiving station 40 c is similar. An optical signal (λ 1R″+λ 3PR) is transmitted to the first repeating station 30 h.

As this, communication is performed among the stations using only optical cables in only one system, and the output level of the pumping source is automatically controlled in each of the stations, which allows the optimum communication.

As this, the installation cost and maintenance cost of the optical cables are largely decreased, and each of the stations can detect cut of the optical cable, thus reliability and safety of the optical system 10 c are remarkably improved.

(A9) Description of Ninth Modification of First Embodiment of the Invention

Next, a disconnect detecting function additionally provided to the structure of the repeating station shown in FIG. 20 will be described. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a structure of an optical system log according to a ninth modification of the first embodiment of this invention. In FIG. 21, detection of cut of an optical cable between a transmitting station 20 b and a first repeating station 30 i is performed such that a first transmitting side monitoring means 26 b in a transmitting station 20 b monitors residual pumping light λ 5PT from a first repeating station 30 i, and determines that the optical cable is cut when the input dies out. Between a receiving station 40 b and a second repeating station 30 i′ is similar. In the receiving station 40 b, a first receiving side monitoring means 46 b monitors residual pumping light λ 6PT from the second repeating station 30 i′, and determines that the optical cable is cut when the input dies out. In FIG. 21, parts designated by like reference characters have like or corresponding functions described above, further descriptions of which are thus omitted.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an internal structure of the first repeating station 30 i according to the ninth modification of the first embodiment of this invention. The first repeating station 30 i shown in FIG. 22 monitors inputted light from the transmitting station 20 b to detect cut by this monitoring function, as compared with the first repeating station 30 h (refer to FIG. 20).

A first disconnect detecting means 35′ is almost the same as the above first disconnect detecting means 35, but a wavelength that the first disconnect detecting means 35′ can detect differs. Namely, the first disconnect detecting means 35′ is disposed at an entrance of the first optical fiber to detect cut of the first optical fiber. The first disconnect detecting means 35′ comprises a seventh filter (filter 7) 35 e, a fifth optical detector (photodiode 5) 35 d, and a first disconnect detection outputting means 35 c.

The seventh filter 35 e extracts residual pumping light (λ 2PL) from a received transmission light, and outputs it. The fifth optical detector 35 d detects residual pumping light (λ 2PL) from the fifth filter 35 e. The first disconnect detection outputting means 35 c monitors the operation of the fifth optical detector 35 d to output information relating to presence/absence of the residual pumping light (λ 2PL). In FIG. 22, parts designated by like reference characters have like or coresponding functions described above, further descriptions of which are thus omitted.

In the first repeating station 30 i shown in FIG. 22, inputted light (λ 1L+λ 2PL) from the transmitting station 20 b is branched into the three directions; toward a first filter 31 d, the first disconnect detecting means 35′ and an isolator 33 a, using an optical coupler 50 (not shown) or the like. Only λ 1L is inputted to the first filter 31 d, multiplexed with pumping light λ 4PT, inputted to a first optical amplifier 31 a, and transmitted along with residual pumping light to the second repeating station 30 i′.

The seventh filter 35e of the first disconnect detecting means 35′ extracts only residual pumping light λ 2PL of the transmitting station 20 b, and the fifth optical detector 35 d monitors its input, and determines that the optical cable between the transmitting station 20 b and the first repeating station 30 i is cut when the input dies out.

Transmission light (λ 1R″+λ 5PT) is sent to the transmitting station 20 b. When the optical cable between the transmitting station 20 b and the first repeating station 30 i is cut, the transmission light is returned as it is to the repeating station 30. In this case, the level of λ 5PT does not fall, and λ 1R″ has the same wavelength as the transmission optical signal λ 1L, so that they cannot be used as elements to detect cut.

On the other hand, λ 2PL loses its supply source, thus its level falls. For this, cut of the optical cable is detected using λ 2PL. Inputted light from the second repeating station 30 i′ is similar.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an internal structure of the second repeating station 30 i′ according to the ninth modification of the first embodiment of this invention. In the second repeating station 30 i′ shown in FIG. 23, disconnect detection similar to that in the first repeating station 30 i is performed.

A second disconnect detecting means 36′ is similar to the above second disconnect detecting means 36, but a wavelength that the second disconnect detecting means 36′ can detect is different. Namely, the second disconnect detecting means 36′ is disposed at the entrance of a second optical fiber to detect cut of the second optical fiber. The second disconnect detecting means 36′ comprises an eighth filter 36 e, a sixth optical detector 36 d and a second disconnect detection outputting means 36 c.

The eighth filter 36 e extracts residual pumping light (λ 3PR) from a received optical signal, and outputs it. The sixth optical detector 36 d detects the residual pumping light (λ 3PR) from the eighth filter 36 e. The second disconnect detection outputting means 36 c monitors the operation of the sixth detector 36 d, and outputs information relating to presence/absence of the residual pumping light (λ 3PR). In FIG. 23, parts designated by like reference characters have like or corresponding functions, further descriptions of which are thus omitted.

With the above structure, inputted light (λ 1L′+λ 4PT) from the first repeating station 30 i is branched into three directions; toward a first filter 31 d, a first disconnect detecting means 35′ and an isolator 33 a, by an optical coupler 50 or the like(not shown). Only λ 1L′ is inputted to the first filter 31 d, multiplexed with pumping light λ 6PT, inputted to a first optical amplifier 31 a, and transmitted along with the residual pumping light to the receiving station 40 b. A seventh filter 35 e of the first disconnect detecting means 35′ extracts only residual pumping light λ 4PT from the first repeating station 30 i, and a fifth optical detector 35 d monitors its input. When the input dies out, it is determined that the optical cable between the first repeating station 30 i and the second repeating station 30 i′ is cut.

As shown in FIG. 22, transmission light (λ 1R′+λ 7PT) is transmitted to the first repeating station 30 i. However, when the optical cable between the first repeating station 30 i and the second repeating station 30 i′ is cut, this transmission light is returned as it is to the second repeating station 30 i′. In such case, since the level of λ 7PT does not fall, and λ 1R′ has the same wavelength as a transmission light optical signal λ 1L from the transmitting station 20 b, they cannot be used as elements to detect cut.

On the other hand, λ 4PT loses its supply source, thus its level falls. By using this, cut of the optical cable is detected. Inputted light from the receiving station 40 b is similar.

As this, the installation cost and maintenance cost of the optical cables are largely decreased, and each of the stations can detect cut of the optical cable, thus reliability and safety of the optical system 10 g are remarkably improved.

(A10) Description of Tenth Modification of First Embodiment of the Invention

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a structure of an optical system according to a tenth modification of the first embodiment of this invention. An optical system 10 h shown in FIG. 24 is similar to the optical system described above. A controlling means 25 in a transmitting station 20 d′ keep monitoring pumping light λ 5PT from a first repeating station 30 k at all times. When the reception level falls, the controlling means 25 determines that an optical cable between the transmitting station 20 d′ and the first repeating station 30 k is cut, controls a first pumping source 22 d in consideration of safety, and stops an output of the first pumping source 22 d if necessary. The receiving station 40 d′ is similar. In FIG. 24, parts designated by like reference characters have like or corresponding functions described above, further descriptions of which are thus omitted.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an internal structure of the first repeating station 30 k according to the tenth modification of the first embodiment of this invention. A first pumping light controlling means (control unit) 66 b controls an output of a first pumping source (pumping source 1) 66 a on the basis of a level of first pumping light (λ 4PT) and a level of residual pumping light (λ 4PT) in the second repeating station 30 k′. A second pumping light controlling means 64 b controls an output of a second pumping source 64 a (pumping source 2) on the basis of a level of second pumping light (λ 5PT) and a level of residual pumping light (λ 5PT) in the transmitting station 20 d′. In FIG. 25, parts designated by like reference characters have like or corresponding functions described above, further descriptions of which are thus omitted.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an internal structure of the second repeating station 30 k′ according to the tenth modification of the first embodiment of this invention. The first pumping light controlling means (control unit) 66 b stops an output of a first pumping source (pumping source 1) 66 a when a reception level of first pumping light (λ 3PR) falls, and a second pumping source controlling means 64 b stops an output of a second pumping source 64 a when a reception level of second pumping light (λ 4PT) falls. In FIG. 26, parts designated by like reference characters have like same or corresponding functions described above, further descriptions of which are thus omitted.

In the first repeating station 30 k shown in FIG. 25, a level of a fifth optical detector 35 d (photodiode 5) is always monitored by the first pumping light controlling means 66 b. when the reception level falls (when cut is detected), the first pumping light controlling means 66 b stops an output of the first pumping source 66 a in consideration of safety.

Similarly, a level of a sixth optical detector 36 d (photodiode 6) is always monitored by the second pumping light controlling means 64 b. When the reception level falls, the second pumping light controlling means 64 b stops an output of the second pumping source 64 a in consideration of safety.

In the first repeating station 30 k′ shown in FIG. 26, a level of the fifth optical detector 35 d (photodiode 5) is always monitored by the first pumping light controlling means 66 b. When the reception level falls, the first pumping light controlling means 66 b stops an output of the first pumping source 66 a in consideration of safety.

Similarly, a level of the sixth optical detector 36 d (photodiode 6) is always monitored by the second pumping light controlling means 64 b. When the reception level falls, the second pumping light controlling means 64 b stops an output of the second pumping source 64 a in consideration of safety.

As this, communication is performed among the stations using only optical cables in one system, and the output level of the pumping source is automatically controlled in each of the stations, which allows the optimum communication. Safe optical transmission becomes possible by the optical cable disconnect detecting function.

(B) Description of Second Embodiment of the Invention

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a structure of an optical system according to a second embodiment of this invention. An optical system 10 i shown in FIG. 27 is a similar optical system to those described above. Structures of a transmitting station 20 f″ and a receiving station 40 f″ are equivalent to the transmitting station 20 f and the receiving station 40 f shown in FIG. 16 to which disconnect detecting means 26 and 46 are added, and a reflecting means (reflecting element 1) 11 a and a reflecting means (reflecting element 2) 11 b are disposed on outputs' side of isolators 22 c and 42 c, respectively. Each of these reflecting means 11 a and 11 b reflects an optical signal at a specific wavelength contained in a received optical signal, a specific wavelength reflecting element such as a fiber grating or the like being used therefor. In FIG. 27, parts designated by like reference characters have like or corresponding functions described above, further descriptions of which are thus omitted.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a first repeating station 70 a according to the second embodiment of this invention. A first repeating station 70 a shown in FIG. 28 comprises a reflecting means (reflecting element 1) 11 a at an entrance leading to the transmitting station 20 f″. FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a second repeating station 70 a′ according to the second embodiment of this invention. A second repeating station 70 a′ is similar to the first repeating station 70 a. In FIGS. 28 and 29, parts designated by like reference characters have like or corresponding functions described above, further descriptions of which are thus omitted.

The first repeating station 70 a (refer to FIG. 28) comprises a first disconnect detecting means 35′, a second disconnect detecting means 36′, the reflecting means 11 a, a first reflected light receiving means 65, a reflecting means (reflecting element 2) 11 b, and a second reflected light receiving means 64.

The first disconnect detecting means 35′ is disposed on the entrance's side of a first optical fiber to detect cut of the first optical fiber. The first disconnect detecting means 35′ comprises a seventh filter (filter 7) 35 e, a fifth optical detector (photodiode 5) 35 d, and a first disconnect detection outputting means (disconnect detection) 35 c. The seventh filter 35 e extracts residual pumping light (λ 2PL) from a received optical signal, and outputs it. The fifth optical detector 35 d detects the residual pumping light (λ 2PL) from the seventh filter 35 e. The first disconnect detection outputting means 35 c monitors the operation of the fifth optical detector 35 d, and outputs information relating to presence/absence of the residual pumping light (λ 2PL).

The second disconnect detecting means 36′ is disposed on the entrance's side of a second optical fiber to detect cut of the second optical fiber. The second disconnect detecting means 36′ comprises an eighth filter (filter 8) 36 e, a sixth optical detector (photodiode 6) 36 d, and a second disconnect detection outputting means (disconnect detection) 36 c. The eighth filter 36 e extracts residual pumping light (λ 7PT) from a received optical signal, and outputs it. The sixth optical detector 36 d detects the residual pumping light (λ 7PT) from the eighth filter 36 e. The second disconnect detection outputting means 36 c monitors the operation of the sixth optical detector 36 d, and outputs information relating to presence/absence of the residual pumping light (λ 7PT).

The reflecting means 11 a is disposed on the input's side of a first optical amplifier 31 a to reflect an optical signal (λ 2PL) at a specific wavelength contained in a received optical signal, a specific wavelength reflecting element such as a fiber grating or the like being used therefor.

The first reflected light receiving means 65 is disposed on the input's side of the first optical amplifier 31 a to detect residual pumping light (λ 5PT) contained in a received optical signal, thereby detecting a level of the residual pumping light (λ 5PT). The first reflected light receiving means 65 comprises a fifth filter (filter 5) 65 a, and a third optical detector (photodiode 3) 65 b.

The fifth filter 65 a is disposed on the input's side of the first optical amplifier 31 a to detect residual pumping light (λ 5PT) contained in a received optical signal. The third optical detector 65 b detects a level of the residual pumping light (λ 5PT) outputted from the fifth filter 65 a.

The reflecting means 11 b is disposed on the input's side of a second optical amplifier 33 c to reflect an optical signal (λ 7PT) at a specific wavelength contained in the received optical signal, a specific wavelength reflecting element such as a fiber grating or the like being used therefor.

The second reflected light receiving means 64 is disposed on the input's side of the second optical amplifier 33 c to detect residual pumping light (λ 4PT) contained in a received optical signal, thereby detecting a level of the residual pumping light (λ 4PT). The second reflected light receiving means 64 comprises a sixth filter (filter 6) 64 a, and a second optical detector (photodiode 2) 64 b.

The sixth filter 64 a is disposed on the input's side of the second optical amplifier 33 c to detect residual pumping light (λ 4PT) contained in a received optical signal. The second optical detector 64 b detects a level of the residual pumping light (λ 4PT).

Whereby, λ 5PT (pumping light inside the first repeating station 70 a, for amplifying a signal from the receiving station 40 f″) is sent back to the first repeating station 70 a by the reflecting means 11 a in the transmitting station 20 f″. Similarly, λ 6PT (pumping light inside the second repeating station 70 a′, for amplifying a signal from the transmitting station 20 f″) is sent back to the second repeating station 70 a′ by the reflecting means 11 b in the receiving station 40 f″.

To detect cut of the optical fiber between the transmitting station 20 f″ and the first repeating station 70 a, residual pumping light λ 5PT from the first repeating station 70 a is monitored by the fifth filter 65 a, and it is determined that the optical cable is cut when the input dies out.

In the transmitting station 20 f″, a level of residual pumping light λ 2PL reflected by the reflecting means 11 a in the first repeating station 70 a is monitored by the second optical detector 64 b, an actual transmission loss between the transmitting station 20 f″ and the first repeating station 70 a is calculated, a first pumping source 22 d is adjusted by a controlling means 25 so as to yield the optimum amplification factor, whereby the output level to the first repeating station 70 a is controlled.

In FIG. 28, inputted light (λ 1L+λ 2PL+λ 5PT) from the transmitting station 20 f″ is branched into three directions; toward the reflecting means 11 a, the fifth filter 65 a and the seventh filter 35 e, by an optical coupler 50 or the like (not shown). A λ 2PL component of the light toward the reflecting means 11 a is reflected by the reflecting means 11 a, thus only (λ 1L+λ 5PT) components are inputted to a first filter 31 d. Only an optical signal component λ 1L is extracted by the first filter 31 d, and multiplexed with pumping light λ 4PT. The multiplexed optical component is inputted to the first optical amplifier 31 a, and transmitted along with residual pumping light to the second repeating station 70 a′.

In the second direction, only the residual pumping light λ 5PT reflected by the reflecting means 11 a in the transmitting station 20 f″ is extracted by the fifth filter 65 a, an input level thereof is monitored by the third optical detector 65 b. This monitor value is read by a second pumping light controlling means 64 b, an actual transmission loss between the transmitting station 20 f″ and the first repeating station 70 a is calculated by a second pumping light controlling means 64 b, and a second pumping source 64 a is so adjusted as to yield the optimum amplification factor. Whereby, the output level to the transmitting station 20 f″ is controlled.

In the third direction, only the residual pumping light λ 2PL of the transmitting station 20 f″ is extracted by the seventh filter 35 e, and an input thereof is monitored by the fifth optical detector 35 d. When the input-dies out, it is determined that the optical cable between the transmitting station 20 f″ and the first repeating station 70 a is cut.

In FIG. 29, between the receiving station 40 f″ and the second repeating station 70 a′, the residual pumping light λ 3PR from the receiving station 40 f″ is monitored by a sixth optical detector 36 d (photodiode 6), and it is determined that the optical cable disconnects when the input goes out, as well.

Inputted light (λ 1L′+λ 4PT +λ 7PT) from the first repeating station 70 a is branched into three directions; toward a reflecting means 11 a, a fifth filter 65 a and a seventh filter 35 e, by an optical coupler 50 or the like (not shown).

In the first direction, only λ 4PT is reflected by the reflecting means 11 a, and only (λ 1L′+λ 7PT) components are inputted to a first filter 31 d. Only an optical signal component λ 1L′ is extracted by the first filter 31 d, multiplexed with pumping light λ 6PT, inputted to a first optical amplifier 31 a, and transmitted along with residual pumping light to the receiving station 40 f″.

In the second direction, only the residual pumping light λ 7PT reflected by the reflecting means 11 b in the first repeating station 70 a is extracted by the fifth filter (filter 5) 65 a, an input level thereof is monitored by the third optical detector 65 b, an actual transmission loss between the first repeating station 70 a and the second repeating station 70 a′ is calculated, a second pumping source 64 a is adjusted by the second pumping source controlling means 64 b so as to yield the optimum amplification factor, whereby the output level to the first repeating station 70 a is controlled.

In the third direction, only the residual pumping light λ 4PT in the first repeating station 70 a is extracted by the seventh filter (filter 7) 35 e, the input thereof is monitored by the fifth filter 65 a. When the input dies out, it is determined that the optical fiber between the first repeating station 70 a and the second repeating station 70 a′ is cut.

With the above structure, transmission light to the transmitting station 20 f″ has three components; λ 1R″, λ 5PT and λ 2PL, and they are returned as they are when the optical cable between the transmitting station 20 f″ and the first repeating station 70 a is cut. In such case, a level of λ 5PT does not fall and λ 1R″ is at the same wavelength as the transmission optical signal λ 1L from the transmitting station 20 f″, hence they can not be used as detecting elements to detect cut.

On the other hand, λ 2PL loses its supply source, and its level falls. By detecting disconnection of inputs of λ 2PL, it is possible to detect cut of the optical cable. Incidentally, inputted light from the first repeating station 70 a is similar.

By inserting the specific wavelength reflecting elements (reflecting means 11 a and 11 b), it is possible to calculate an actual transmission loss between the stations irrespective of a gain control in the opposite station, and a gain control on the transmission light suitable for it becomes possible.

In FIG. 29, transmission light to the first repeating station 70 a has λ 1R′, λ 7PT and λ 4PT, and they are returned as they are to the second repeating station 70 a′ when the optical cable between the first repeating station 70 a the second repeating station 70 a′ is cut. In such case, the level of λ 7PT does not fall, and λ 1R′ is at the same wavelength as the optical signal λ 1L′ from the first repeating station 70 a, thus they cannot be used as detecting elements to detect cut. On the other hand, λ 4PT loses its supply source, thus its level falls. By detecting disconnection of the inputs of λ 4PT, it is possible to detect cut of the optical cable. Incidentally, inputted light from the receiving station 40 f″ is similar.

As above, communication is performed among the stations using only the optical cables in one system, and the output level of the pumping source is automatically controlled in each of the stations, which allows the optimum communication.

As this, the installation cost and maintenance cost of the optical cables are largely decreased, and each of the stations can detect cut of the optical cable, so that reliability and safety of the optical system 10 i is remarkably improved.

(B1) Description of First Modification of Second Embodiment of the Invention

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a structure of an optical system according to a first modification of the second embodiment of this invention. An optical system 10 j shown in FIG. 30 is similar to that described above. A transmitting station 20 a″ and a receiving station 40 a″ shown in FIG. 30 are similar to the transmitting station 20 a and the receiving station 40 a described in the second modification (refer to FIG. 5) of the first embodiment. In the transmitting station 20 a, a reflecting means (reflecting element 1) 11 a is provided on the output's side of the optical amplifier 22 b. In the receiving station 40 a, a reflecting means (reflecting element 2) 11 b is provided on the output's side of the optical amplifier 42 b.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a first repeating station 70 b according to the first modification of the second embodiment of this invention. FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an internal structure of a second repeating station 70 b′ according to the first modification of the second embodiment of this invention. The stations shown in FIGS. 31 and 32 are similar to those shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, respectively, in each of which monitoring means are provided on the outputs' side of a first optical amplifiers 31 a and a second optical amplifier 33 c. The first repeating station 70 b comprises a second filter (filter 2) 37 a, a first optical detector (photodiode 1) 37 b, a fourth filter (filter 4) 67 a and a fourth optical detector (photodiode 4) 67 b.

The second filter 37 a is disposed on the output's side of the first optical amplifier 31 a to extract first pumping light (λ 4PT), and outputs it. The first optical detector 37 b displays a level of a first transmission light (λ 4PT) outputted from the second filter 37 a. The fourth filter 67 a is disposed on the output's side of the second optical amplifier 33 c to extract second pumping light (λ 5PT), and outputs it. The fourth optical detector 67 b displays a level of the second transmission light (λ 5PT) extracted by the fourth filter 67 a.

Namely, the first repeating station 70 b comprises the second filter 37 a disposed on the output's side of the first optical amplifier 31 a to extract the first pumping light (λ 4PT) and output it, the first optical detector 37 b displaying a level of the first transmission light (λ 4PT) outputted from the second filter 37 a, the fourth filter 67 a disposed on the output's side of the second optical amplifier 33 c to extract the second pumping light (λ 5PT) and output it, and a fourth optical detector 67 b displaying a level of the second transmission light (λ 5PT) extracted by the fourth filter 67 a.

In FIGS. 30 and 31, parts designated by like reference characters have like or corresponding functions described above, further descriptions of which are thus omitted.

Inputted light (λ 1L+λ 2PT+λ 5PT) from the transmitting station 20 a″ is branched into three directions; toward a reflecting means 11 a, a fifth filter 65 a and a seventh filter 35 e, by an optical coupler 50 or the like (not shown).

Since the reflecting means 11 a reflects only λ 2PT, only (λ 1L+λ 5PT) components are inputted to a first filter 31 d. Only an optical signal component λ 1L is extracted by the first filter 31 d, multiplexed with pumping light λ 4PT, inputted to the first optical amplifier 31 a, and transmitted along with residual pumping light to the second repeating station 70 c.

The residual pumping light λ 5PT reflected by the reflecting means 11 a in the transmitting station 20 a″ is extracted by the fifth filter 65 a, and an input level thereof is monitored by a third optical detector 65 b.

Only the residual pumping light λ 2PL of the transmitting station 20 a″ is extracted by the seventh filter 35 e, and an input thereof is monitored by a fifth optical detector 35 d. When the input dies out, it is determined that the optical cable between the transmitting station 20 a″ and the first repeating station 70 b is cut. Transmission light to the transmitting station 20 a″ has (λ 1R″+λ 5PT+λ 2PL) components. When the optical cable between the transmitting station 20 a″ and the first repeating station 70 b is cut, these components are returned as they are to the first repeating station 70 b. In which case, a level of λ 5PT does not fall, and λ R″ is at the same wavelength as the transmission optical signal λ 1L from the transmitting station 20 a″, hence they cannot be used as detecting elements to detect cut.

On the other hand, λ 2PL loses its supply source, and its level falls. Accordingly, by detecting disconnection of inputs of λ 2PL, it is possible to detect cut of the optical cable. When an input of λ 7PT dies out, it is determined that the optical cable is cut, as well as inputted light from the second repeating station 70 b′.

In the second repeating station 70 b′ shown in FIG. 32, inputted light (λ 1L′+λ 4PT+λ 7PT) from the first repeating station 70 b is branched into three directions; toward a reflecting means 11 a, a fifth filter 65 a and a seventh filter 35 e, by an optical coupler 50 or the like (not shown).

The reflecting means 11 a reflects only λ 4PT, thus only (λ 1L′+λ 7PT) components are inputted to a first filter 31 d. Only an optical signal component λ 1L′ is extracted by the first filter 31 d, multiplexed with pumping light λ 6PT, inputted to the first optical amplifier 31 a, and transmitted along with residual pumping light to the receiving station 40 a″.

Only the residual pumping light λ 7PT reflected by the reflecting means 11 b in the first repeating station 70 b is extracted by the fifth filter 65 a, and an input level thereof is monitored by a third optical detector 65 b.

Only the residual pumping light λ 4PT of the first repeating station 70 b is extracted by the seventh filter 35 e, and input thereof is monitored by a fifth optical detector 35 d. When the input dies out, it is determined that the optical cable between the first repeating station 70 b and the second repeating station 70 c is cut.

Transmission light to the first repeating station 70 b has (λ 1R′+λ 7PT+λ 4PT) components. When the optical cable between the first repeating station 70 b and the second repeating station 70 c is cut, the transmission light are returned as it is to the second repeating station 70 c. In which case, the level of λ 7PT does not fall, and λ 1R′ is at the same wavelength as the transmission optical signal λ 1L′ from the first repeating station 70 b, hence they cannot be used as detecting elements to detect cut.

On the other hand, λ 4PT loses its supply source, thus the level thereof falls. Accordingly, by detecting disconnection of inputs of λ PT, it is possible to detect cut of the optical cable. Inputted light from the receiving station 40 a″ is similar.

With the above structure in FIG. 30, λ 5PT (pumping light for amplifying a signal from the receiving station 40 a″, inside the first repeating station 70 b) is looped back by the reflecting means 11 a in the transmitting station 20 a″ to the first repeating station 70 b. Similarly, λ 6PT (pumping light for amplifying a signal from the transmitting station 20 a″, inside the second repeating station 70 b″) is looped back to the second repeating station 70 b″ by the reflecting means 11 b in the receiving station 40 a″.

Residual pumping light λ 5PT from the first repeating station 70 b is kept to be monitored by a fifth optical detector 35 d. When input thereof dies out, it is determined that the optical cable between the transmitting station 20 a″ and the first repeating station 70 b is cut.

Residual pumping light λ 6PT from the second repeating station 70 b′ is kept to be monitored by a sixth optical detector 36 d between the receiving station 40 a″ and the second repeating station 70 b′, as well. When input thereof dies out, it is determined that the optical cable is cut.

As this, since an amplified optical level is determined from not a theoretical value but a measured value, a more accurate gain control becomes possible. Communication is performed among the stations using only optical cables in one system, and the output level of the pumping source is automatically controlled in each of the stations, which allows the optimum communication.

As this, the installation cost and maintenance cost of the optical cables are largely decreased, and each of the stations can detect cut of the optical cable, which allows reliability and safety of the optical system 10 j to be remarkably improved.

(B2) Description of Second Modification of Second Embodiment of the Invention

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a structure of a first repeating station according to a second modification of the second embodiment of this invention. A first repeating station 70 c (and a second repeating station 70 c′) shown in FIG. 33 performs a transmission level control between the stations. As the disconnect detecting method, a relationship of fluctuations in output level of a first pumping source 66 a is confirmed, then cut of the optical cable is determined. Incidentally, the optical system according to this modification is identical to the optical system 10 i shown in FIG. 27.

The first repeating station 70 c (or the second repeating station 70 c′) comprises a reflecting means (reflecting element 1) 11 a, a fifth filter (filter 5) 65 a, a third optical detector (photodiode 3) 65 b, a seventh filter (filter 7) 35 e, a fifth optical detector (photodiode 5) 35 d, a reflecting means (reflecting element 2) 11 b, a sixth filter (filter 6) 64 a, a second optical detector (photodiode 2) 64 b, an eighth filter (filter 8) 36 e, and a sixth optical detector (photodiode 6) 36 d.

The reflecting means 11 a is disposed on the input's side of a first filter 31 d to reflect light at a specific wavelength contained in a received optical signal. The fifth filter 65 a extracts residual pumping light (λ 5PT) from an optical signal from an optical transmitting apparatus's side (refer to the transmitting station 20 f″ in FIG. 27), and outputs it. The third optical detector 65 b detects the residual pumping light (λ 5PT) from the fifth filter 65 a.

The seventh filter 35 e extracts residual pumping light (λ 2PL) from an optical signal from the optical transmitting apparatus's side, and outputs it. The fifth optical detector 35 d detects the residual pumping light (λ 2PL) outputted from the filter 35 e. The reflecting means 11 b is disposed on the input's side of a filter 33 d to reflect light at a specific wavelength.

The sixth filter 64 a extracts residual pumping light (λ 4PT) from an optical signal from the optical receiving apparatus's side, and outputs it. The second optical detector 64 b detects the residual pumping light (λ 4PT) from the filter 64 a. The eighth filter 36 e extracts residual pumping light (λ 7PT) from an optical signal from the optical receiving apparatus's side, and outputs it. The sixth optical detector 36 d detects the residual pumping light (λ 7PT) outputted from the eighth filter 36 e.

In FIG. 33, parts designated by like reference characters have like or corresponding functions described above, further descriptions of which are thus omitted.

Flows of operations of the first pumping source 66 a and a first pumping light controlling means 66 b are as follows. Incidentally, the second pumping light controlling means 64 b is similar.

First, a level of reception light of the second optical detector 64 b is detected, and a reception level of the sixth optical detector 36 d is monitored.

While cut is not detected, the reception level of the sixth optical detector 36 d is constant, an actual transmission loss between the first repeating station 70 c and the second repeating station 70 c′ is calculated on the basis of an input level of the second optical detector 64 b, and the first pumping source 66 a is such controlled as to yield the optimum optical amplified output.

When cut is detected, the reception level of the sixth optical detector 36 d falls, which causes fluctuation in bias current or the like of the first pumping source 66 a. This fluctuation causes fluctuation in output level of the pumping light λ 4PT. For this, a relationship between the fluctuation in optical level (optical level reflected by a cross section of the optical fiber and returned) detected by the second optical detector 64 b and the fluctuation in pumping light output level is confirmed, then it is determined that the optical cable disconnects.

With the above structure, an example of operation of the first pumping light controlling means 66 b is as described in (r1) through (r3) below. Incidentally, the second pumping light controlling means 64 b is similar.

-   (r1) A level of reception light of the second optical detector 64 b     is detected, and a reception level of the sixth optical detector 36     d is kept monitored. -   (r2) When the reception level of the sixth optical detector 36 d is     constant (while cut is not detected), an actual transmission loss     between the first repeating station 70 c and the second repeating     station 70 c′ is calculated on the basis of an input level of the     second optical detector 64 b, and the first pumping source 22 d is     such controlled as to yield the optimum optical amplified output. -   (r3) When the reception level of the sixth optical detector 36 d     falls (when cut is detected), the bias current or the like of the     first pumping source 22 d is fluctuated, whereby the output level of     the pumping light λ 4PT is fluctuated. Therefore, a relationship     between the fluctuation in optical level (optical level reflected by     a cross section of the optical cable and returned) detected by the     second optical detector 64 band the fluctuation in pumping light     output level is confirmed, cut of the optical cable is then     detected.

As this, after a relationship of fluctuation in output level of the first pumping source 66 a is confirmed, cut of the optical cable is determined, and the control is performed by calculating an amplified optical level with a theoretical value. This allows an accurate control.

(B3) Description of Third Modification of Second Embodiment of the Invention

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a structure of an optical system according to a third modification of the second embodiment of this invention. An optical system 10 k shown in FIG. 34 comprises a transmitting station 20 g, a first repeating station 70 d, a second repeating station 70 d′ and a receiving station 40 g. The optical system 10 k is equivalent to the optical system 10 i (refer to FIG. 27) in which an output monitoring function is additionally provided to the transmitting side and the receiving side.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an internal structure of the first repeating station 70 d (or the second repeating station 70 d′) according to the third modification of the second embodiment of this invention.

The first repeating station 70 d comprises a second filter (filter 2) 37 a, a first optical detector (photodiode 1) 37 b, a fourth filter (filter 4) 67 a, and a fourth optical detector (photodiode 4) 67 b. The second filter 37 a is disposed on the output's side of a first optical amplifier 31 a to extract first pumping light (λ 4PT) outputted from the first optical amplifier 31 a. The first optical detector 37 b detects a level of the first pumping light (λ 4PT) outputted from the second filter 37 a. The fourth filter 67 a is disposed on the output's side of a second optical amplifier 33 c to extract second pumping light (λ 5PT) outputted from the second optical amplifier 33 c. The fourth optical detector 67 b detects a level of the second pumping light (λ 5PT) outputted from the fourth filter 67 a.

The eighth filter (filter 8) 36 e extracts residual pumping light (λ 7PT) from a received optical signal, and outputs it. A sixth optical detector (photodiode 6) 36 d detects the residual pumping light (λ 7PT) from the eighth filter 36 e. An output level of the first optical amplifier 31 a is controlled on the basis of a detected level of the first optical detector 37 b, a detected level of the second optical detector 64 b and a detected level of the sixth optical detector 36 d.

A seventh filter (filter 7) 35 e extracts residual pumping light (λ 2PT) from a received optical signal, and outputs it. The fifth optical detector (photodiode 5) 35 d detects the residual pumping light (λ 2PT) from the seventh filter 35 e. An output level of the second optical amplifier 33 c is controlled on the basis of a detected level of the fourth optical detector (photodiode 4) 67 b, a detected level of a third optical detector 65 b and a detected level of the fifth optical detector 35 d.

In FIGS. 34 and 35, parts designated by like reference characters have like or corresponding functions described above, further descriptions of which are thus omitted.

With the above structure, the control is performed as described in (r4) through (r6) below. Incidentally, although the following is a case of the first pumping light controlling means 66 b, a case of the second pumping light controlling means 64 b is similar.

-   (r4) A difference in reception light level between the first optical     detector (photodiode 1) 37 b and a second optical detector     (photodiode 2) 64 b is detected. A reception level of the sixth     optical detector 36 d is monitored. -   (r5) when the reception level of the sixth optical detector 36 d is     constant (while cut is not detected), an actual transmission loss     between the first repeating station 70 d and the second repeating     station 70 d′ is calculated on the basis of (r4), and the first     pumping source 22 d in the transmitting station 20 g is such     controlled as to yield the optimum optical amplified output. -   (r6) When the reception level of the sixth optical detector 36 d     falls (while cut is detected), the bias current or the like of a     first pumping source 66 a is fluctuated, whereby the output level of     the pumping light λ 4PT is fluctuated. After a relationship between     the fluctuation in optical level (optical level reflected by a cross     section of the optical cable and returned) of the second optical     detector 64 b and the fluctuation in output level of the pumping     light is confirmed, cut of the optical cable is determined.

As this, a more accurate gain control is possible by determining an amplified optical level in actual measurement.

As this, communication among the stations is performed using only the optical cables in one system, and the output level of the pumping source is automatically controlled in each of the stations, which allows the optimum communication.

In the above manner, the installation cost and maintenance cost of the optical cables are largely decreased, and each of the stations can detect cut of the optical cable, which allows reliability and safety of the optical system to be remarkably improved.

(C) Description of Third Embodiment of the Invention

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a structure of an optical system according to a third embodiment of this invention. An optical system 10L shown in FIG. 36 comprises a transmitting station 20 h, a first repeating station 70 c, a second repeating station 70 c′ and a receiving station 40 h. The optical system 10L is equivalent to the optical system 10 i (refer to FIG. 27) in which an output monitoring function is added to the transmitting side and the receiving side.

In this modification, an alarm signal is sent to a transmission path by modulating a pumping source, returning of the alarm signal is confirmed, then cut of the optical cable is determined.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a structure of the first repeating station according to the third embodiment of this invention. In the first repeating station 70 c shown in FIG. 37, a unit for superimposing a modulation signal as an alarm signal and transmitting it is added to the first repeating station 70 c shown in FIG. 33. The first repeating station 70 c comprises a first alarm signal communication controlling means 69 b, first optical switches 71 c and 71 d, a first alarm signal detecting means 68 a, a second disconnect detecting means 68 b, a second alarm signal communication controlling means 69 a, second optical switches 71 a and 71 b, a second alarm signal detecting means 68 c, and a fourth disconnect detecting means 68 d.

The first alarm signal communication controlling means 69 b outputs a port switching signal in order to superimpose a modulation signal on a second pumping source 64 a and output it when detecting that residual pumping light (λ 2PL) is not inputted to the fifth optical detector 35 d. The first optical switches 71 c and 71 d are connected to the second pumping source 64 a to select according to the port switching signal outputted from the first alarm signal communication controlling means 69 b whether second pumping light (λ 5PL) from the second pumping source 64 a is led to the input's side of a second optical amplifier 33 c or the second pumping light (λ 5PL) on which the modulation signal has been superimposed is led to the output's side of the second optical amplifier 33 c. The first alarm signal detecting means 68 a is connected to a third optical detector 65 b to detect the second pumping light (λ 5PL), on which modulation signal has been superimposed, looped back and inputted from the optical transmitting apparatus's side (the transmitting station 20 h in FIG. 36), and outputs a first alarm signal to the outside. The second disconnect detecting means 68 b detects that the first alarm signal is outputted from the first alarm signal detecting means 68 a. The second alarm signal communication controlling means 69 a outputs a port switching signal in order to superimpose a modulation signal on the first pumping source 66 a and output it when detecting that residual pumping light (λ 7PT) is not inputted to a sixth optical detector 36 d.

The second optical switches 71 a and 71 b are connected to a first pumping source 66 a to select according to a port switching signal outputted from the second alarm signal communication controlling means 69 a whether first pumping light (λ 4PT) from the first pumping source 66 a is led to the input's side of a first optical amplifier 31 a or the first pumping light (λ 4PT) on which the modulation signal has been superimposed is led to the output's side of the first optical amplifier 31 a. The second alarm signal detecting means 68 c is connected to a second optical detector 64 b to detect the first pumping light (λ 4PT), on which the modulation signal has been superimposed, looped back and inputted from the optical receiving apparatus's side, and outputs a second alarm signal to the outside. The fourth disconnect detecting means 68 d detects that the second alarm signal is outputted from the second alarm signal detecting means 68 c.

In FIGS. 36 and 37, parts designated by like reference characters have like or corresponding functions described above, further descriptions of which are thus omitted.

With the above structure, in the transmitting station 20 h, a level of reception light (light of pumping light λ 2PL of its own station, returned from the first repeating station 70 c) of the second optical detector 64 b is detected in the normal state, an actual transmission loss between the transmitting station 20 h and the first repeating station 70 c is calculated, and a first pumping source 22 d is such controlled as to yield the optimum optical amplified output. The reception level of the fifth optical detector 35 d is monitored.

When the reception level of the fifth optical detector 35 d is constant, cut is not detected. For this, the above operation is performed. When the reception level of the fifth optical detector 35 d falls (while cut is detected), an alarm signal communication control unit 13 (in the transmitting station 20 h) controls optical switches 12 a and 12 b to switch a route {circumflex over (1)} in the normal state to a route {circumflex over (2)}, modulates the pumping source 22 d, and transmits an alarm signal in a specific pattern to the first repeating station 70 along the route {circumflex over (2)}.

An alarm signal detecting unit 26 d monitors whether the alarm signal is inputted to the second optical detector 64 b. When the optical cable is cut, the light is reflected by the cross section, and a modulated pumping light alarm signal is returned to its own station. Whereby, disconnection of the optical signal is determined when the alarm signal is detected.

The second repeating station 70 c′ (similar to that shown in FIG. 37, although the detailed drawing is not shown) is similar. Inputted light (λ 1L′+λ 4PT+λ 7PT) from the first repeating station 70 c is branched into three directions; toward a reflecting means 11 a, a fifth filter 65 a and a seventh filter 35 e, by an optical coupler 50 or the like (not shown).

The reflecting means 11 a reflects only λ 4PT, and only (λ 1L′+7PT) components are inputted to a first filter 31 d. Only an optical signal component λ 1L′ is extracted by the first filter 31 d, multiplexed with pumping light λ 6PT, inputted to a first optical amplifier 31 a, then transmitted along with residual pumping light to the receiving station 40 h.

An actual transmission loss between the second repeating station 70 c′ and the receiving station 40 h is calculated from returned pumping light λ 6PT from the receiving station 40 h (monitored by a second optical detector 64 b), and an output of a first pumping source 66 a is such controlled by a first pumping light controlling means 66 b that the output becomes optimum. Only the residual pumping light λ 7PT reflected by the reflecting means 11 a in the first repeating station 70 c is extracted by the fifth filter 65 a, the input level is monitored by a third optical detector 65 b, an actual transmission loss between the first repeating station 70 c and the second repeating station 70 c′ is calculated by the second pumping light controlling means 64 b, and an output of the second pumping source 64 a is controlled to be optimum.

Only the residual pumping light λ 4PT of the first repeating station 70 c is extracted by the seventh filter 35 e, and an input thereof is monitored by a fifth optical detector 35 d. When the input dies out, an alarm signal communication control unit 69 b controls optical switches 71 c and 71 d, switches a port P1 in the normal state to a port P2 to modulate the pumping light, and transmits an alarm signal in a specific pattern to the first repeating station 70 c from the port P2.

On the other hand, an alarm signal detecting unit 68 a monitors whether the alarm signal is inputted to the third optical detector 65 b. When the optical cable is cut, the alarm signal obtained by modulating the pumping light is reflected by the cross section, and returned to its own station. After detection of the alarm signal is confirmed, it is determined that the optical cable is cut.

As this, communication is performed among the stations using only the optical cables in one system, and the output level of the pumping source is automatically controlled, which allows the optimum communication.

As this, the installation cost and maintenance cost of the optical cables are largely decreased, and each of the stations can detect cut of the optical cable. This largely improves reliability and safety of the optical system 10L.

(C1) Description of First Modification of Third Embodiment of the Invention

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a structure of an optical system according to a first modification of the third embodiment of this invention. An optical system 10 n shown in FIG. 38 comprises a transmitting station 20 i, a first repeating station 70 d, a second repeating station 70 d′ and a receiving station 40 i. FIG. 39 is a diagram showing an internal structure of the first repeating station 70 d according to the first modification of the third embodiment of this invention. This modification is that a function of modulating pumping light, sending an alarm signal to the transmission path, confirming returning of it, and determining cut of the optical cable is added to the above third embodiment.

There are provided a second filter (filter 3) 32 b disposed on the output's side of a first optical amplifier 31 a to extract first pumping light (λ 4PT) outputted from the first optical amplifier 31 a, a first optical detector (photodiode 1) 32 c detecting a level of the fist pumping light (λ 4PT) outputted from the second filter 32 b, a fourth filter (filter 4) 34 a disposed on the output's side of a second optical amplifier 33 c to extract second pumping light (λ 5PT) outputted from the second optical amplifier 33 c, and a fourth optical detector (photodiode 4) 34 c detecting a level of the second pumping light (λ 5PT) outputted from the fourth filter 34 a.

In FIG. 38, parts designated by like reference character have like or corresponding functions described above, further descriptions of which are thus omitted.

With the above structure, the transmitting station 20 i (refer to FIG. 38) detects a difference in reception light level between a first optical detector (photodiode 1) 23 b and a second optical diode (photodiode 2) 24 b, calculates an actual transmission loss between the transmitting station 20 i and the first repeating station 70 d, and such controls a first pumping source 22 d as to yield the optimum optical amplified output. A reception level of a fifth optical detector 26 b (photodiode 5, corresponding to the first transmitting side monitoring means 26 b in FIG. 5) is monitored. When the reception level of the fifth optical detector 26 b is constant, cut is not detected. Accordingly, the above operation is performed. When the reception level of the fifth optical detector 26 b falls (while cut is detected), an alarm signal communication control unit 13 controls optical switches 12 a and 12 b to switch a route {circumflex over (1)} in the normal state to a route {circumflex over (2)}, modulates pumping light, and transmits an alarm signal in a specific pattern to the first repeating station 70 d along the route {circumflex over (2)}.

An alarm signal detecting unit 26 d monitors whether the alarm signal is inputted to the second optical detector 24 b. When the optical cable is cut, the alarm signal obtained by modulating the pumping light is reflected by the cross section, and returned to its own station, thus cut of the optical cable is determined after detection of the alarm signal is confirmed.

In FIG. 39, inputted light (λ 1L+λ 2PL+λ 5PT) from the transmitting station 20 i is branched into three directions; toward a reflecting means 11 a, a fifth filter 65 a and a seventh filter 35 e, by an optical coupler 50 or the like (not shown). Since the reflecting means 11 a reflects only λ 2PL, only (λ 1L+λ 5PT) components are inputted to a first filter 31 d. An optical signal component λ 1L is extracted by the first filter 31 d, multiplexed with pumping light λ 4PT, inputted to the first optical amplifier 31 a, and transmitted along with residual pumping light to the second repeating station (not shown).

At this time, only a λ 4PT component is extracted by a sixth filter 64 a, a level of the λ 4PT light is monitored by a second optical detector 64 b, an actual transmission loss between the first repeating station 70 d and the second repeating station is calculated on the basis of a difference in level between it and returned pumping light λ 4PT (monitored by the second optical detector 64 b) from the second repeating station, and a first pumping light controlling means 66 b such controls that an output of a first pumping source 66 a become optimum.

A fifth filter 35 a extracts only residual pumping light λ 5PT reflected by a reflecting means 11 a in the transmitting station 20 i, a third optical detector 65 b monitors an input level thereof, the second pumping light controlling means 64 b calculates an actual transmission loss between the transmitting station 20 i and the first repeating station 70 d, and an output of a second pumping source 64 a is controlled to be optimum.

The seventh filter 35 e extracts only residual pumping light λ 2PL of the transmitting station 20 i, and a fifth optical detector 35 d monitors an input of the residual pumping light λ 2PL. When the input dies out, an alarm signal communication control unit 32 d controls optical switches 12 a and 12 b to switch a port P1 in the normal state to a port 2, modulates the pumping light, and transmits an alarm signal in a specific pattern to the second repeating station. An alarm signal detecting unit 68 c monitors whether the alarm signal is inputted to the second optical detector 64 b. When the optical cable is cut, the light is reflected by the cross section, and the alarm signal that is the modulated pumping light is returned to its own station. It is thereby determined that the cut is detected.

As this, communication is performed among the stations using only the optical cables in one system, and the output level of the pumping source is automatically controlled, which allows the optimum communication.

As this, the installation cost and maintenance cost of the optical cables are largely decreased, and each of the stations can detect disconnect of the optical cable. This largely improves reliability and safety of the optical system 10 n.

(C2) Description of Second Modification of Third Embodiment of the Invention

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing a structure of an optical system according to a second modification of the third embodiment of this invention. An optical system 10 p shown in FIG. 40 collectively amplifies optical signals at multiple wavelength, and transmits them (hereinafter referred as a multiple wavelength collective amplification system, occasionally), which comprises a transmitting station 20 j, a first repeating station 70 b, a second repeating station 70 b′ and a receiving station 40 j. A difference from the above first modification of the third embodiment is that this modification is required to select a wavelength of each pumping light because of the multiple wavelength collective amplification system.

Each of the transmitting station 20 j and the receiving station 40 j has multiplexing and demultiplexing functions for multiple wavelength collective amplification along with the functions of the transmitting station 20 a″ and the receiving station 40 a″ (refer to FIG. 30) described above. Namely, the transmitting station 20 j comprises an optical coupler 51 c, and a plurality of transmitting units 28 as an optical transmitting means 75. Here, n is an integer. Each of the plural transmitting units 28 named a transmitting unit 1 (λ 1), a transmitting unit 2 (λ 2), . . . , and a transmitting unit n (λ n) has the same function as the above transmitting unit 22 a. The optical coupler 50 c is connected to the plural transmitting units 28 and an optical amplifier 22 b to collectively amplify optical signals at multiple wavelengths sent from the plural transmitting units 28, and sends them.

The transmitting station 20 j further comprises an optical demultiplexer 14 a and receiving units 21 a-1, 21 a-2, . . . , and 21 a-n, as an optical receiving means 21 e. The optical demultiplexer 14 a selects reception light containing optical signals at multiple wavelengths for each wavelength, and outputs it. Receiving unit 1 (λ 1), a receiving unit 2 ((λ 2), . . . , a receiving unit n (λ n) represent the receiving units 21 a-1, 21 a-2, and 21 a-n, respectively, each of which has the same function as the above receiving unit 21 a.

The receiving station 40 j comprises a plurality of transmitting units 48 and an optical coupler 51 c, as an optical transmitting means 76, to be able to collectively amplify optical signals at multiple wavelengths, and sent them. Each of the plural transmitting units 48 named a transmitting unit 1 (λ 1), a transmitting unit 2 (λ 2), . . . , and a transmitting unit n (λ n) has the same function as the above transmitting unit 42 a. The receiving station 40 j further comprises an optical demultiplexer 14 b and receiving units 41 a-1, 41 a-2, . . . , and 41 a-n each of which has the same function as the receiving unit 41 b (refer to FIG. 1), as an optical receiving means 41 e to be able to select reception light at each wavelength contained in an optical signal at multiple wavelengths, and output it.

Incidentally, the first repeating station 70 b and the second repeating station 70 b′ are almost the same as those described in the first modification (refer to FIG. 31) of the second embodiment of this invention, but monitor different wavelengths. In FIG. 40, parts designated by like character have like or corresponding functions described above, further descriptions of which are thus omitted.

Wavelengths of transmission light of the transmitting station 20 j are λ 1 to λ n (n being an integer), which are multiplexed in one optical cable by the optical coupler 51 c, collected into an optical signal at a wavelength λ L, multiplexed with a pumping source (not shown) having a wavelength λ a for collective pumping, and inputted to the optical amplifier 22 b for collective amplification. Here, λ a differs from any wavelength in λ 1L.

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing an internal structure of the first repeating station 70 b according to the second modification of the third embodiment of this invention. In FIG. 41, parts designated by like reference characters have like or corresponding functions described above, further descriptions of which are thus omitted.

Inputted light (λ L+λ a+λ d) from the transmitting station 20 j is branched into three directions; toward a reflecting means (reflecting element 1) 11 a, a fifth filter (filter 5) 65 a and a seventh filter (filter 7) 35 e, by an optical coupler 50 (not shown). The reflecting means 11 a reflects only λ a, thus only (λ L+λ d) components are inputted to a first filter 31 d. Only an optical signal component λ L is extracted by the first filter 31 d, multiplexed with pumping light λ c, multiple-wavelength collective-optical-amplified by a first optical amplifier 31 a, and transmitted along with residual pumping light to the second repeating station 70 b′.

The residual pumping light λ d reflected by the reflecting means 11 a in the transmitting station 20 j is extracted by the fifth filter 65 a, and its input level is monitored by a third optical detector 65 b.

Only residual pumping light λ a of the transmitting station 20 j is extracted by the seventh filter 35 e, and its input is monitored by a fifth optical detector 35 d. When the input dies out, it is determined that the optical cable between the transmitting station 20 j and the first repeating station 70 b is cut. As shown in FIG. 41, transmission light to the transmitting station 20 j has (λ R″+λ d+λ a) components. When the optical cable between the transmitting station 20 j and the first repeating station 70 b is cut, this transmission light is returned as it is to the first repeating station 70 b. In such case, a level of λ d does not fall. Additionally, λ R″ has the same wavelength as the transmission optical signal λ L from the transmitting station 20 j. For this, they cannot be used as elements to detect cut.

On the other hand, λ a loses its supply source, thus its level falls. For this, by detecting disconnection of this λ a component, it is possible to detect cut of the optical cable. Incidentally, inputted light from the first repeating station 70 b is similar.

FIG. 42 is a diagram showing an internal structure of the second repeating station 70 b′ according to the second modification of the third embodiment of this invention. In FIG. 42, parts designated by like reference characters have like or corresponding functions described above, further descriptions of which are thus omitted.

Inputted light (λ L′+λ c+λ f) from the first repeating station 70 b is branched into three directions; toward a reflecting means (reflecting element 1) 11 a, a fifth filter (filter 5) 65 a and a seventh filter (filter 7) 35 e, by an optical coupler 50 (not shown) disposed at the entrance's side. The reflecting means 11 a reflects only λ c, thus only (λ L′+λ f) are inputted to a first filter 31 d. Only an optical signal component λ L′ is extracted by the first filter 31 d, multiplexed with pumping light λ e, inputted to a first optical amplifier 31 a, multiple-wavelength-collective-amplified, and transmitted along with residual pumping light to the receiving station 40. Residual pumping light λ f reflected by the reflecting means 11 b in the first repeating station 70 b is extracted by the fifth filter 65 a, and its input level is monitored by a third optical detector 65 b.

Only the residual pumping light λ c of the first repeating station 70 b is extracted by the seventh filter 35 e, and an input thereof is monitored by a fifth optical detector 35 d. When the input dies out, it is determined that the optical cable between the first repeating station 70 b and the second repeating station 70 b′ is cut. Transmission light (λ R′+λ f+λ a) is sent to the first repeating station 70 b. When the optical cable between the first repeating station 70 b and the second repeating station 70 b′ is cut, this transmission light is returned as it is to the second repeating station 70 b′. In such case, the level of λ f does not fall. Additionally, λ R′ has the same wavelength as the transmission light optical signal λ L′ from the first repeating station 70 b. For this, they cannot be used as elements to detect cut. On the other hand, λ c loses its supply source, and its level falls. By detecting disconnection of inputs of λ c, it is possible to detect cut of the optical cable. Inputted light from the receiving station 40 is similar.

With the above structure, the transmitting station 20 j (refer to FIG. 40) performs a process with optical signals as follows. The transmitting station 20 j collectively amplifies and transmits transmission light λ L to the first repeating station 70 b. Only a λ a component is extracted by a first loopback filter 23 a, the output optical level is monitored by a first optical detector 23 b, returned light λ a from the first repeating station 70 b is extracted by a fifth filter 24 a and monitored by a second optical detector 24 b, an actual transmission loss is calculated on the basis of a difference in optical level between the first optical detector 23 b and the second optical detector 24 b, and the output level of the first pumping source 22 d is adjusted by the controlling means 25 so as to yield the optimum optical output level.

With regard to reception, reception light λ R″ (transmission light from the opposite station being collectively referred as λ R) from the opposing first repeating station 70 b is inputted to an optical coupler 51, and split into each wavelength. The optical signals are inputted to the receiving unit 21 a-1, the receiving unit 21 a-2, . . . , and the receiving unit 21 a-n, respectively, whereby communication between the transmitting station 20 j and the receiving station 40 j is established.

Further, pumping light λ d to the transmitting station 20 j is reflected by the reflecting means 11 a in the first repeating station 70 b, and the reflected λ d is monitored by a fifth optical detector (photodiode 5) 26 b. When its input level falls, cut of the optical cable between the transmitting station 20 j and the first repeating station 70 b is detected.

As this, communication is performed among the stations using only the optical cables in one system, and the output level of the pumping source is automatically controlled in each of the stations, which allows the optimum communication.

As this, the installation cost and maintenance cost of the optical cables are largely decreased, and each of the stations can detect cut of the optical cable. This remarkably improves reliability and safety of the optical system lop.

(C3) Description of Third Modification of Second Embodiment of the Invention

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing a structure of an optical system according to a third modification of the third embodiment of this invention. An optical system 10 q shown in FIG. 43 is in the multiple wavelength collective amplification system, which comprises a transmitting station 20 k, a first repeating station 70 b, a second repeating station 70 b′ and a receiving station 40 k. FIG. 44 is a diagram showing an internal structure of the first repeating station 70 b according to the third modification of the third embodiment of this invention.

The first repeating station 70 b differs from that according to the second modification of the second embodiment described above in that data for monitoring a reception level of a fifth optical detector 35 d and data for monitoring a reception level of a sixth optical detector 36 d are inputted to both a first pumping light controlling means 66 b and a second pumping light controlling means 64 b. Whereby, cut of the optical cable can be detected.

A second filter 32 b is disposed on the output's side of a first optical amplifier 31 a to extract first pumping light (λ c) outputted from the first optical amplifier 31 a. A first optical detector 32 c detects a level of the first pumping light (λ c) outputted from the second filter 32 b. An eighth filter 36 e extracts residual pumping light (λ f) from a received optical signal, and outputs it. The sixth optical detector 36 d detects the residual pumping light (λ f) from the eighth filter 36 e. Likewise, an output level of the first optical amplifier 31 a is controlled on the basis of a detected level of the first optical detector 32 c, a detected level of a second optical detector 64 b and a detected level of the sixth optical detector 36 d.

Similarly, a fourth filter (filter 4) 67 a is disposed on the output's side of a second optical amplifier 33 c to extract second pumping light (λ d) outputted from the second optical amplifier 33 c. A fourth optical detector (photodiode 4) 67 b detects a level of the second pumping light (λ d) outputted from the fourth filter 67 a. A seventh filter 35 e extracts residual pumping light (λ a) from a received optical signal, and outputs it. A fifth optical detector 35 d detects the residual pumping light (λ a) from the seventh filter 35 e. An output level of the second optical amplifier 33 c is controlled on the basis of a detected level of the fourth optical detector 67 b, a detected level of the third optical detector 65 b and a detected level of the fifth optical detector 35 d.

In FIGS. 43 and 44, parts designated by like reference characters have like or corresponding functions described above, further descriptions of which are thus omitted.

Flow of an operation of the first pumping light controlling means 66 b shown in FIG. 44 is as described in (s1) to (s6) below. Flow of an operation of the second pumping light controlling means 64 b is similar.

-   (s1) The first pumping light controlling means 66 b detects a     difference in reception light level between the first optical     detector 32 c and the second optical detector 64 b, and monitors a     reception level of the sixth optical detector 36 d. -   (s2) When the reception level of the sixth optical detector 36 d is     constant (while cut is not detected), the first pumping light     controlling means 66 b calculates an actual transmission loss     between the first repeating station 70 b and the second repeating     station 70 b′ from (s1), and so controls a first pumping source 66 a     as to yield the optimum optical amplified output. -   (s3) When the reception level of the sixth optical detector 36 d     falls (while cut is detected), the first pumping light controlling     means 66 b fluctuates the bias current or the like of the first     pumping source 66 a. The output level of the pumping light λ c     thereby fluctuates, it is determined that the optical cable is cut     after a relationship between the fluctuation in optical level of the     second optical detector 64 b (optical level reflected by the cross     section of the optical cable and returned) and the fluctuation in     level of the pumping light output.

As this, an accurate control becomes possible, and a more precise operation becomes possible. Further, communication is performed among the stations using only the optical cables in one system, and the output level of the pumping source is automatically controlled in each of the stations, which allows the optimum communication.

As this, the installation cost and maintenance cost of the optical cables are largely decreased, and each of the stations can detect cut of the optical cable. This remarkably improves reliability and safety of the optical system 10 q.

(C4) Description of Fourth Modification of Third Embodiment of the Invention

FIG. 45 is a diagram showing a structure of an optical system according to a fourth modification of the third embodiment of this invention. An optical system 10 r shown in FIG. 45 is in the multiple wavelength collective amplification system, which comprises a transmitting station 20 n, a first repeating station 70 d, a second repeating station 70 d′ and a receiving station 40 n. FIG. 46 is a diagram showing an internal structure of the first repeating station 70 d according to the fourth modification of the third embodiment of this invention. The first repeating station 70 d and the second repeating station 70 d′ are almost the same as those described in the second modification (refer to FIG. 33) of the second embodiment, where a controlling method using an alarm signal is added. In FIGS. 45 and 46, parts designated by like reference characters have like or corresponding functions described above, further descriptions of which are thus omitted.

A first optical detector 32 c is disposed on the output's side of a first optical amplifier 31 a to detect a level of first pumping light (λ c) outputted from the first optical amplifier 31 a. A second alarm signal detecting means 68 c detects first pumping light (λ c), on which a modulation signal has been superimposed, outputted from the optical receiving apparatus's side (receiving station 40 n), and outputs a first alarm signal to the outside. A fourth optical detector 34 c is disposed on the output's side of a second optical amplifier 33 c to detect a level of second pumping light (λ d) outputted from the second optical amplifier 33 c.

Further, a first alarm signal detecting means 68 a detects the second pumping light (λ d), on which a modulation signal has been superimposed, sent from the optical transmitting apparatus's side (transmitting station 20 n in FIG. 45), and outputs a second alarm signal to the outside. The first alarm signal communication controlling means 69 a outputs a port switching signal when detecting that first residual pumping light (if) sent from the optical receiving apparatus's side is not inputted in order to superimpose a modulation signal on a first pumping source 66 a and input it. Second optical switches 71 a and 71 b are connected to the first pumping source 66 a to be able to select whether the first pumping light (λ c) from the first pumping source 66 a is led to the input's side of the first optical amplifier 31 a or the first pumping light (λ c), on which the modulation signal has been superimposed, is led to the output's side of the first optical amplifier 31 a according to the port switching signal outputted from the first alarm signal communication controlling means 69 a.

A second alarm signal communication controlling means 69 b outputs a port switching signal when detecting that a second residual pumping light (λ d) sent from the transmitting station 20 n is not inputted in order to superimpose a modulation signal on a second pumping source 64 a and output it. First optical switches 71 c and 71 d are connected to the second pumping source 64 a to be able to select whether the second pumping light (λ d) from the second pumping source 64 a is led to the input's side of the second optical amplifier 33 c or the second pumping light (λ d), on which the modulation signal has been superimposed, is led to the output's side of the second optical amplifier 33 c according to the port switching signal outputted from the second alarm signal communication controlling means (69 b).

With the above structure, the transmitting station 20 n shown in FIG. 45 detects a difference in reception optical level between a first optical detector 23 b and a second optical detector 24 b in the normal state, calculates an actual transmission loss between the transmitting station 20 n and the first repeating station 70 b. A controlling means 25 controls a first pumping source 22 d so as to yield the optimum optical amplified output. The reception level of a fifth optical detector 26 b is monitored.

When the reception level of the fifth optical detector 26 b is constant, namely, while cut is not detected, the above operation is performed. When the reception level of the fifth optical detector 26 b falls (while cut is detected), an alarm signal communication control unit 13 controls optical switches 12 a and 12 b to switch a route {circumflex over (1)} in the normal state to a route {circumflex over (2)}, modulates the first pumping source 22 d, and transmits an alarm signal in a specific pattern to the first repeating station 70 d along the route {circumflex over (2)}.

An alarm signal detecting unit 26 d monitors whether the alarm signal is inputted to the second optical detector 26 b. When the optical cable is cut, the alarm signal obtained by modulating the pumping light is reflected by the cross section and returned to its own station. After detection of the alarm signal is confirmed, cut of the optical cable is determined.

The first repeating station 70 d shown in FIG. 46 is similar. Inputted light (λ L+λ a+λ d) from the transmitting station 20 n is branched into three directions; toward a reflecting means 11 a, a fifth filter 65 a and a seventh filter 35 e, by an optical coupler 50 (not shown) disposed on the entrance's side. The reflecting means 11 a reflects only λ a, thus only (λ L+λ d) components are inputted to a first filter 31 d. Only an optical signal component λ 1L is extracted by the first filter 31 d, multiplexed with pumping light λ c, inputted to the first optical amplifier 31 a, and transmitted along with residual pumping light to the second repeating station 70 d′.

A first loopback filter 32 b extracts only a λ c component, and the first optical detector 32 c monitors a level of λ c. A first pumping light controlling means 66 b calculates an actual transmission loss between the first repeating station 70 d and the second repeating station 70 d′ on the basis of a difference between this level and a level of the returned pumping light λ c (monitored by a second optical detector 64 b) from the second repeating station 70 b′, and so controls the first pumping source 66 a as to yield the optimum output.

The fifth filter 65 a extracts residual pumping light λ d reflected by the reflecting means 11 a in the transmitting station 20 n, and a third optical detector 65 b monitors its input level. A second pumping light controlling means 64 b calculates an actual transmission loss between the transmitting station 20 n and the first repeating station 70 d, and controls so that an output of the second pumping source 64 a becomes optimum.

And the more, in the direction from the first repeating station 70 d to the transmitting station 20 n, only residual pumping light λ a of the transmitting station 20 n is extracted by the seventh filter 35 e, and its input is monitored by a fifth optical detector 35 d. When the input dies out, the alarm signal communication control unit 69 b controls the optical switches 71 c and 71 d, switches a port P1 in the normal state to a port P2, modulates the second pumping source 64 a, and transmits an alarm signal in a specific pattern to the transmitting station 20 n from the port P2. An alarm signal detecting unit 68 a monitors whether the alarm signal is inputted to the third optical detector (photodiode 3) 65 b. When the optical cable is cut, the alarm signal obtained by modulating the pumping light is reflected by the cross section, and returned to its own station. After detection of the alarm signal is confirmed, cut of the optical cable is determined.

As this, an accurate control becomes possible, and a more precise operation becomes possible. Further, communication is performed among the stations using only the optical cables in one system, and the output level of the pumping source is automatically controlled in each of the stations, which allows the optimum communication.

As this, the installation cost and maintenance cost of the optical cables are largely decreased, and each of the stations can detect cut of the optical cable. This remarkably improves reliability and safety of the optical system 10 r.

(D) Others

As above-described, in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the third embodiment and their modifications, the optical couplers 50 or the like are not shown in the drawings except FIG. 2. The multiplexing and demultiplexing are foregoing realized by using an optical fiber of a fusion type, but another element may be used.

Further, it is possible to combine the detection modes and the control modes in the embodiments and modifications. In concrete, they may be combined in consideration of many variations such as (t1) to (t6) below. Note that the superiority of the present invention is not spoiled even when a way of combining these is changed.

-   (t1) the number of stages of the repeating stations; -   (t2) with respect to adjustment of the output level of the pumping     source in the transmitting station or the receiving station,     presence/absence of the adjusting control or the controlling mode; -   (t3) with respect to adjustment of the output level of the pumping     source in the repeating station, presence/absence of the adjusting     control or the controlling mode; -   (t4) with respect to adjustment of the output level of EDFA in the     repeating station, presence/absence of the adjusting control or the     controlling mode; -   (t5) with respect to the disconnect detecting method in the     transmitting station or the receiving station, presence/absence of     it or the controlling mode; and -   (t6) with respect to the disconnect detecting method in the     repeating station, presence/absence of it or the controlling mode.

In FIG. 4, the second repeating station 30 c′ has a similar structure to the first repeating station 30 c, excepting differences in subscript of the optical wavelengths, for example, between λ 1R and λ 1R′, λ 1R′ and λ 1R″, and the like.

The inside of the second repeating station 30 b′ shown in FIG. 7 is similar to that of the first repeating station 30 b shown in FIG. 8.

Industrial Applicability

As above, according to this invention, transmission light and reception light can be transmitted through optical fiber cables in one system, thus the installation cost and maintenance cost of the optical cable cost can be decreased. Detection of cut of the optical cables is performed using the monitoring function with pumping light and residual pumping light in two-way transmission, which remarkably improves reliability and safety of the system. Further, adjustment of the optical output level in the repeating station is most suitably set according to an actual transmission distance, which allows an efficient system operation. 

1. An apparatus comprising: an optical amplifier amplifying an optical signal in accordance with pump light supplied to the optical amplifier, to thereby output an amplified light having an optical signal component and a pump light component, the optical signal component being transmitted downstream through a bi-directional optical transmission cable; a detector detecting the pump light component from the amplified light; and a controller controlling the pump light supplied to the optical amplifier in accordance with the detected pump light component and an optical monitoring signal received from downstream of the optical amplifier through the bi-directional optical transmission cable.
 2. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the optical component transmitted through the bi-directional optical transmission cable is amplified by a downstream optical amplifier in accordance with pump light provided to the downstream optical amplifier, the downstream optical amplifier thereby producing amplified light having a pump light component, the apparatus further comprises a detector detecting the pump light component from the amplified light produced by the downstream optical amplifier, and the optical monitoring signal indicates the detected pump light component as detected from the amplified light produced by the downstream optical amplifier.
 3. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the apparatus receives light transmitted through the bi-directional optical transmission cable from a downstream device, the received light including a signal component and a residual pump light component from amplification by the downstream device, the apparatus further comprising: a detector detecting the residual pump light component to thereby detect the occurrence of a fault in the bi-directional optical transmission cable.
 4. An apparatus comprising: an optical amplifier amplifying an optical signal in accordance with pump light supplied to the optical amplifier, to thereby output an amplified light having an optical signal component and a pump light component, the optical signal component being transmitted downstream through a bi-directional optical transmission cable; a detector detecting the pump light component from the amplified light; and means for controlling the pump light supplied to the optical amplifier in accordance with the detected pump light component and an optical monitoring signal received from downstream of the optical amplifier through the bi-directional optical transmission cable.
 5. An apparatus as in claim 4, wherein the optical component transmitted through the bi-directional optical transmission cable is amplified by a downstream optical amplifier in accordance with pump light provided to the downstream optical amplifier, the downstream optical amplifier thereby producing amplified light having a pump light component, the apparatus further comprises a detector detecting the pump light component from the amplified light produced by the downstream optical amplifier, and the optical monitoring signal indicates the detected pump light component as detected from the amplified light produced by the downstream optical amplifier.
 6. An apparatus as in claim 4, wherein the apparatus receives light transmitted through the bi-directional optical transmission cable from a downstream device, the received light including a signal component and a residual pump light component from amplification by the downstream device, the apparatus further comprising: means for detecting the residual pump light component to thereby detect the occurrence of a fault in the bi-directional optical transmission cable.
 7. An apparatus comprising: an optical amplifier amplifying an optical signal in accordance with pump light supplied to the optical amplifier, to thereby output an amplified light having an optical signal component and a pump light component, the optical signal component being transmitted downstream through a bi-directional optical transmission cable; a filter filtering the pump light component from a branched portion of the amplified light; a detector detecting the filtered pump light component; and a controller controlling the pump light supplied to the optical amplifier in accordance with the detected pump light component and an optical monitoring signal received from downstream of the optical amplifier through the bi-directional optical transmission cable.
 8. An apparatus as in claim 7, wherein the optical component transmitted through the bi-directional optical transmission cable is amplified by a downstream optical amplifier in accordance with pump light provided to the downstream optical amplifier, the downstream optical amplifier thereby producing amplified light having a pump light component, the apparatus further comprises a detector detecting the pump light component from the amplified light produced by the downstream optical amplifier, and the optical monitoring signal indicates the detected pump light component as detected from the amplified light produced by the downstream optical amplifier.
 9. An apparatus as in claim 7, wherein the apparatus receives light transmitted through the bi-directional optical transmission cable from a downstream device, the received light including a signal component and a residual pump, light component from amplification by the downstream device, the apparatus further comprising: a detector detecting the residual pump light component to thereby detect the occurrence of a fault in the bi-directional optical transmission cable.
 10. An apparatus as in claim 7, wherein the optical component transmitted through the bi-directional optical transmission cable is amplified by a downstream optical amplifier in accordance with pump light provided to the downstream optical amplifier, the downstream optical amplifier thereby producing amplified light having a pump light component, the apparatus further comprises a second filter filtering the pump light component from the amplified light produced by the downstream optical amplifier, and a second detector detecting the filtered pump light component filtered by the second filter, and the optical monitoring signal indicates the filtered and detected pump light component as filtered and detected from the amplified light produced by the downstream optical amplifier.
 11. An apparatus as in claim 7, wherein the apparatus receives light transmitted through the bi-directional optical transmission cable from a downstream device, the received light including a signal component and a residual pump light component from amplification by the downstream device, the apparatus further comprising: a second filter filtering the residual pump light component to thereby detect the occurrence of a fault in the bi-directional optical transmission cable, and a second detector detecting the filtered residual pump light component filtered by the second filter. 